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Thursday, March 31, 2016

Miracle Suit

Pools - The Palazzo - Las Vegas


Miraclesuit - Polka-dot-Sweetheart One-Piece Swimsuit

In Las Vega, one of the hotel's big attractions is the pool.  Better described as multiple pools with many thing to do around the pools - Cabanas, cafes, and spas.  The first day after I finally found a lounge chair I talked with a French Canadian couple for about an hour.  Great conversation.  If she recognized that I was not as appeared, she never let on and was kind.  

Saturday was a bit cooler but sun felt wonderful.  I stayed about 2 hours, arriving in a white coverup, white short-shorts and sandals.  After sitting down, I shed both and laid out in my one piece suit, shown above.  That day the sun was bright and air cool, so I did not realize I was getting sun.  Needless to say - very interesting tan lines.  

The suit show above is a great fit.  Very high cut to flatter the legs, and just the right amount of hold for the figure with underwire shaping/padding on the top.  Also sweetheart neckline and wide over the shoulder straps.  it is modest enough for a woman of my age and the white trim and straps are very fashionable.   

One man there had been sitting/laying in a lounge way to long and was getting really red on his back.  I watched as he attempted to reach around a very large frame to apply sun screen.  Finally I said, let me do that.  I got up and he handed me the tube of sunscreen.   I proceed to cover the shoulder and back area that he could not reach.    A very nice guy and had no clue - very appreciative.  We laughed and chatted until he left about an hour later.  Shortly after that I visited several hot tubs before going up to my room to get ready for Saturday evening.     

Many times it is not so much how we look but the confidence we express.
Two nice afternoons in my "Miraclesuit" by the pools.  



Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Skirt Length and Shoe Selection.

skirt length and shoe selection guide





I will bet you never knew this secret.  As you look, you can see what works and what does not.  

Most of the time I make my own fashion layouts but Polyvore is so much fun to page through.  Many times you can find/purchase the items pictured but to just see all the combinations is inspiring.

Being a girl is so much Fun!

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

All Dressed Up.....


 An Evening with Sophia Loren

Last week I spent four day in Las Vegas.  I had gotten a special VIP ticketing invitation to attend an "EVENING WITH THE WORLD'S MOST GLAMOROUS ICON, SOPHIA LOREN".  The evening was described as this:

As breathtaking today as she was when she first burst onto the scene in the 1950s, renowned actress Sophia Loren has captivated audiences for over five decades. Accumulating honors throughout her career, from five Golden Globes to a Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement award, the iconic legend of the screen will share her talent March 26 at 8pm for an once-in-a-lifetime event of Hollywood glamour and old-world charm.

The show lived up to its description and was fun.  Most of my time was spent at the Palazzo Hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard, and the adjoining Venetian Hotel.  The whole four day trip was as Rhonda, from check in to check out.  Over the next few days I will write more about this magical weekend. 



"All Dressed up and somewhere to go."

Monday, March 28, 2016

Flats



 My Ballet Flat Collection 

I identify as a pretty feminine person but one stereotypical girly article of clothing that I hate is flats. It takes me back to a male place;  think penny loafer without the penny.  Flats are the epitome of sacrificing beauty for comfort.  Almost the quintessential man repellent.  Well, not as bad as a pair of Uggs (aptly named) or Birkenstocks, but these are in special class of their own.


Ballet flats (especially the cheap ones) are a step up from house slippers, and only marginally better than flip-flops. They really are a casual, "basic" shoe.

Heels are my go to girly fix so here are some numbers I found - 77 percent of women wear heels for special occasions, just over half wear them to parties and social events, and 31 percent wear them to work. Studies have shown that these towering shoes can be costly in more ways than one, taking their toll on your spine, hips, knees, ankles and feet, while altering your posture and gait. But yet we wear then and we lust after them.

'I've spent $40,000 on shoes and I have no place to live? I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes!'  Carrie Bradshaw - Sex In the City

However, last fall  I was looking into a seasonal job that was going to require me to be on my feet a good portion of the time.  Think retail and “shop girl”.  I noticed that few of the makeup sale associates at the high end makeup counters were wearing heels so I looked seriously at flats as a "reasonable" alternative.  I found an outstanding selection at Talbots "Jilly Ballet Flats" with enough colors at that time to make a fashion statement under a drab smock. I turned down the job because of other commitments, however pictured above is the collection of flats that I now own.  Maybe someday.

Until then, I do occasionally wear flats and many times keep a pair in my car.  They are perfect for a quick dart into the mall on the way to an event or dinner.  Plus in flats we do draw less attention and more easily blend.  That simple concession to “being reasonable” can add hours to an evening in heels
.

That is exactly what I did just last week for a shopping stop to the mall. The cute blue heart pattern ballet flats were perfect and almost matched my skirt.  I have learned that needing to avoid heels does not always summons the fashion police.  There are plenty of options and ways to wear flat shoes that can keep you stylish especially at work and shopping. 

So, I guess I don't hate flats as much as I thought.  

Give us your opinion of flats.   How do you make then work?  I have not tried female flats as unisex look yet but have seen photos on the web.    Have you tried that?  

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Sunday Funnies - 3/27



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Growing up the funnies were my favorite section of the Sunday paper.  I will make an effort to make this a regular Sunday feature.   

  
 Enjoy and everyone have a wonderful week!

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Retail Therapy

After a wonderful day Friday of shopping I wondered why it is so much fun.  I went to the mall to only get a cup of tea and as my grandfather liked to describe it, “window shop”.  In short order I was trying on a dress in Banana Republic. It was in my size, 10 petite and I knew it would work perfect for an upcoming trip.  See Below.  I felt great about my purchases (on sale) and had a good sense of satisfaction. 

Buy why?  Not, why did I buy it; but why the satisfaction?  So online, I found an article on “Why Are Women Obsessed With Shoes & Handbags?”     This is very telling from a realistic prospective.
I am going to paraphrase some it here and add to it just a little.  It also helps us understand a little more about the female brain that we seem to be blessed with.  



 By JJ Roberts 

Retail-therapy is well understood to be shopping with the primary purpose of improving the buyer’s mood; the buyers engage in “comfort purchases” where the act of buying gives them a “buzz” or emotional high. The technical name for it is oniomania.

What is not so well understood is why this is such a female thing and I will put forward my own theory here as researching it has not left me with any answers that I buy 100%.

Through much of human history duties were divided along gender bounties.  There were hunter gathers with the men bearing the brunt of the hunting duties due to men’s greater size, physical strength and speed and women bearing the brunt of the gathering duties; collecting fruits and vegetables.  After a good day of hunting and gathering, food would be shared around the small tribe with everybody eating equally.

The tribe was the family unit and women felt good about being a skilled gatherer.  Not only did gathering give them a sense of purpose in life but it satisfied their desire to be a nurturer towards those people that they loved; their fellow tribe members.

When people are evolved to struggle against nature some strange things happen when the struggle to survive in this sense is removed from them.  They lose their sense of purpose and identity.  With the arrival of modern convenience stores and supermarkets the need to gather became more or less a once a week ritual. So what to do with all that free time?


For women, gathering morphed into modern day shopping. Something they could indulge themselves in as a reliable pastime; a sure fire way of getting the reward center of their brains fired up and getting the dopamine fix that they so badly need; the neurotransmitter induced feel-good high.  Sadly it is a fix that wears off within 24 hours....

Feelings which are often cured by… well, another bout of comfort shopping (gathering).
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Friday, March 25, 2016

You're Not Alone

BARRY MANILOW - ALL THE TIME


This song so applies to us.  All of us thought we were so alone and the only one thinking this way.   In my case to know that here was someone else was so liberating.  Listen and relate.



Thanks to the blog "The Heroines of My Life" (Monika Kowalska) for a wonderful interview with Deena Kaye Rose. An American writer, lecturer and Nashville songwriters.  She made reference to this Barry Manilow Song.

Certainly a great tune about feeling alone when others like us, were there “All The Time.” I recommend a listen. This tune is about US.
Deena Kaye Rose

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Ruby Rose - Gender Fluid

Ruby Rose Australia's Next Top Model

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Australian born television presenter, DJ, actress, model, VJ, recording artist


Ruby Rose Langenheim (born 20 March 1986), better known as Ruby Rose, is an Australian model, DJ, recording artist, actress, television presenter, and former MTV VJ. Rose emerged in the media spotlight as a presenter on MTV Australia, followed by several high profile modelling gigs, notably as the face of Maybelline New York in Australia. In addition to her modelling career, she has co-hosted various television shows, namely Australia's Next Top Model and The Project on Network Ten.

Rose pursued a career in acting from 2008 on wards, with her debut performance in the Australian film Suite for Fleur. In 2012, she had a small role in the drama Around the Block. Perhaps her most internationally recognizable work has been on the television series Orange Is the New Black as Stella Carlin. Although her personal life sometimes overshadows her acting and modelling career, she has achieved praise for her work in the series.

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The "Break Free" Video on her Website Rubyroseofficial.com says volumes about being Gender Fluid - a must watch.   




Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Walking In Wedge Heels

My Wedge Heel Collection

Last Thursday night I was going out and decided to wear a wedge heel.  In fact the Coach wedge in the top left.  They look so fashionable and hip.  Yes, not my first time at this shoe rodeo, but every time, there seems to be a new learning curve involved.  I am great in heels up to a point, and pride myself in being somewhat accomplished there in.  However wedge heels seem to be a completely different animal.  So here is what I found to help:



Practice Makes Perfect: Walking Tall in Wedge Shoes

By Megan Barnes - Woman24



Wedges are an extremely hot fashion statement. They are super glamorous and come in loads of fun colors and styles.

You can find wedges that emulate everything from sandals to loafers, and there are even a few wedge styled trainers out there.

However, even if you are a master of walking in sky-high heels, you may find walking in a wedge difficult.

Wedges Basics

The number one piece of advice we can offer on wedges is practice, practice, practice, and practice some more.

Successfully wearing a wedge is different from wearing a classic heel, and, just like when you first learned to walk in a heel, you need to practice in your wedges to really become comfortable with this new form of walking.

Read the rest of the article here:  Woman24


Woman24 is a great blog to check - Enjoy 

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

What can I get you Ma'am?


I have reached some Twilight Zone tipping point.  My every day look is becoming a mix of feminine and "I don't care".  The jeans I wear most every day are Lee petite Classic fit, and I love graphic tee shirts like the Levi one above.     Shoes, Skechers Sport Women's Premium Sneaker. 

For all of the above I am showing an Amazon link but these are available most everywhere.  The Levi outlet stores are great for the tee shirts and I have this split neck tee in several colors.  The Skechers and Lee jeans are always available, to try on, at JCPenney.  The Sketchers above come in wide.  

I do not seem to be getting a lot of checking me out looks, as in "what is wrong with this picture". However I am getting a good share of "what can I get you Ma'am?" at restaurants.  Maybe it is the hair.  The back is tapered, in a very feminine cut (on purpose) and the top and sides are full.  Because of my age,  I very much live in the "invisible" zone so blending in is OK.

Your challenge - Wear something that is just a little outside your comfort zone.  Next step - add to it.  Your confidence soars as does your fun.  Being authentic does not always involve a dress and heels.  Next time at the mall, people watch and see what everyone else is wearing.  Blending in is easy. Plan your escape from the mundane.

So when they ask "What can I get you Ma'am?" - just smile and order.  






Monday, March 21, 2016

Women and Shoes: A Love Story





Cinderella got the prince and Dorothy was envied. Why? 
They had fabulous shoes.

 ____________

By Mina Azodi Cosmopolitan Oct 5, 2010

First there was Cinderella, then there was Carrie Bradshaw. We explain the fascinating reasons why footwear is seducing our imaginations — and emptying our wallets — more than ever.


Long before spiked heels with exotic names (Louboutin, anyone?) became objects of desire, chicks have been shoe-crazy. But recently, we got proof of exactly how crazy: While sales of most things have plummeted thanks to the recession, footwear sales have gone up compared to the same period last year. Yes, buying a pair of shoes has always had near-supernatural effects — like instantly updating an outfit from last year or just making you feel hotter than hell — but that doesn't fully explain how footwear is beating the odds in sales. Trust science to have the answer: Turns out, we've always been wired for shoe lust, even when the going gets tough. 

Happy Feet


First of all, there's some serious mood-boosting going on when you try on any kind of apparel. "The neurotransmitter dopamine is released, providing a feel-good high, similar to taking a drug," says Martin Lindstrom, a branding expert for Fortune 100 companies and author of Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy. "The dopamine increases until you swipe your debit card." Usually, the high then flatlines, and guilt starts creeping in...except, that is, when the item you're purchasing is a pair of shoes. "Shoppers rationalize shoes as a practical buy — something they can wear multiple times a week — so they hold on to that pleasurable feeling longer," says Lindstrom.

But it's not just dopamine at work. Shoes' mood-altering traits also come from another brain reaction, says Lindstrom. Buying new footwear stimulates an area of the brain's prefrontal cortex termed the collecting spot. "Shoes are a collector's item, whether women realize they perceive them that way or not," says Suzanne Ferriss, PhD, editor of Footnotes: On Shoes. Just think of how they're often stored artfully on shoe trees and shelves. "They're like sculptures,"
says Ferriss. As a result, collecting each type provides a mini-adrenaline rush similar to the satisfaction a stamp collector
gets when he acquires a rare find.

A Higher Power


All those wonderful feelings are intensified when you choose high heels...but again, it's biology, not Jimmy Choo, at work. "Like most animals, we're wired to associate height with power," says Helen Fisher, PhD, professor of anthropology at Rutgers University. "High heels can literally raise your status because you're taller when you wear them." Heels carry historical significance as well, adding to their appeal. In previous centuries, only the wealthy wore high heels — everyone else had practical footwear to do manual labor. "Shoes were a measure of class," says Fisher, "and we still have a bit of that mind-set ingrained in us."

Sexual Heeling


Now go even higher — to stilettos — and another element rears its head: sex. Stilettos are undoubtedly foxy, but why, exactly? "When a woman wears them, she assumes a primal mating pose called lordosis," says Fisher. "Her butt lifts, and her back arches." But there's more to it than how hot your ass looks. According to Daniel Amen, MD, author of The Brain in Love, our minds are structured in a way that may associate feet with sex. "The area of the brain that communicates with the genitals is right next to the area that deals with the feet," says Dr. Amen. "These regions share neural cross talk, which may be why shoes can be erotic." And we thought it was just our lust for high style talking.




Sunday, March 20, 2016

Sunday Funnies 3/20

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Growing up the funnies were my favorite section of the Sunday paper.  I will make an effort to make this a regular Sunday feature.   

This week I am going to be out of town Wednesday-Saturday.  I will try and post every day but there may be a missed day or two.  Stay tuned.  

Also I am going to work on a shoe theme this week.  It is one of my favorite subjects and my hits per-day always go up when I post on that subject.
  
 Enjoy and everyone have a wonderful week!
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Saturday, March 19, 2016

Gender-Neutral Singular Pronoun

As we seem to take two steps forward and one back, I am still amazed at our forward progress. The bathroom bills are the one-step back that seems to haunt us for the depths of social ignorance.  However, the republican controlled state legislatures seem to be winding down, with no real damage having been done yet.  So let’s keep the pressures on and support the political parties and organizations that support us.

On the positive steps forward front, the 2015 American Dialect Society's Word of the Year is “They” - Denoting gender-neutral used as a singular pronoun. "They" with this specific definition: gender-neutral singular pronoun for a known person, as a non-binary identifier.





Note what the The American Dialect Society said:


WASHINGTON D.C.—JAN. 8, 2016

In its 26th annual words of the year vote, the American Dialect Society voted for they used as a gender-neutral singular pronoun as the Word of the Year for 2015. They was recognized by the society for its emerging use as a pronoun to refer to a known person, often as a conscious choice by a person rejecting the traditional gender binary of he and she.

Presiding at the Jan. 8 voting session were ADS Executive Secretary Allan Metcalf of MacMurray College and Ben Zimmer, chair of the New Words Committee of the American Dialect Society. Zimmer is also executive editor of Vocabulary.com and language columnist for the Wall Street Journal.

The use of singular they builds on centuries of usage, appearing in the work of writers such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Jane Austen. In 2015, singular they was embraced by the Washington Post style guide. Bill Walsh, copy editor for the Post, described it as “the only sensible solution to English’s lack of a gender-neutral third-person singular personal pronoun.”

“In the past year, new expressions of gender identity have generated a (great) deal of discussion, and singular they has become a particularly significant element of that conversation,” Zimmer said. “While many novel gender-neutral pronouns have been proposed, they has the advantage of already being part of the language.”

Friday, March 18, 2016

Gender Fluid Unisex Models - Guest Post

Guest Post by Cherie Izzo   


Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood


Christian Lacroix, Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen and Dame Vivienne Westwood are some of my favorite over the top couturier designers that celebrated taboos.

Last week during fashion week in Paris I noticed 74-year-old Vivienne Westwood and Andreas Kronthaler her former fashion student, now  husband 25 years her junior, have a line of unisex, genderless garments. The flamboyant line is called “SEXERCISE” by Vivienne Westwood and Andreas Kronthaler.

Expressive art forms are a family thing for Westwood. In a reflection of her offspring, Agent Provocateur was founded in 1994 by Joseph Corré, their son, now a British lingerie retailer. And Ben Westwood, son of Vivienne and Derek Westwood, is a photographer of erotica.

The 2016 Paris Fashion Week SEXERCISE fall runway collection had gender fluid garments on gender-bending male and female models. It débuted March, 4th, 2016 the same day Mick Jaggers ex-wife, supermodel Jerry Hall married Rupert Murdoch the octogenarian mogul in a Westwood gown.

In the beginning, of the fashion show red velvet caught my eye. It was done in a boat neckline top with raw seams and extra long sleeves; it liquefied flowing into a long ruffled slit skirt worn by a gender fluid androgynous model. I really like this style dress, it can hide flaws and flatter most figures. It's ever so sexy as it moves. They paired it with knee-high yellow and black patterned socks and black suede satin platform boots.

Then velvet was seen again, a few models later, it photographed more as a red-orange shimmering velvet the second time. This time, it was done in a sleeveless, velvet layered toga style dress that had a full-length skirt, cut on the bias. Always a flattering cut. The model again gender fluid, carried a 70's style sack bag with a soft orange pattern on a reddish-orange fabric. The dress was worn with super bright pink flat rubber sole shoes.



Another gender flux male model walked the catwalk. This time, in a tight gathered black leather mini skirt, over textures black and red leggings, while strutting in thigh highs lined Ugg style platform boots.

Mixed in the fashion show were models that walked the runway in duel colored plaid designs. A male model wore a tailored suit jacket paired with a long skirt, a side slit on one side, the other drawstring gathered. It had opposing color patterns. The left side of the jacket was green and blue plaid. The right was yellow and orange plaid. Shortened sleeves revealed an extra long cuffed tailored blue shirt. It had an exaggerated collar height and point length; worn all buttoned up with no tie.

White polka dots were over brown chocolate fabric on a long shirt dress with a gathered skirt worn by a tall guy model. How the models walked in those elevated heavy platform boots, I have no idea.

The finally was a gold lame` a-line v-neck buttoned shirt dress worn with divergent leopard platform boots.

 

My favorite piece in the collection was an ivory satin cape. The front had an exquisite silver jeweled frog closure. The neckline had a yellow satin collar and matching cuffs embroidered in silver. The cape was worn by an Asian female model walking in ivory platform sandals. It was classic, elegant and simple.

Intriguing how some designers celebrate taboos and are cross-bending genders in their designs along with the models they display them on.  Westwood said she urged more men to wear dresses “Unisex is good for the environment.”


See the entire collection in photos at Vogue Ready to Wear.




Follow Cherie Izzo on Twitter 

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Be Bold - Meet Andreja Pejić

BE BOLD. BE UNEXPECTED. BE YOU. – Meet Andreja Pejić


Yesterday I posted about Caitlyn Jenner being the new face of MAC Cosmetics. Leann reminded that Andreja Pejić is also a spokesperson with Make Up For Ever Cosmetics.  Thank you Leann. 

Check out an informative article at Fishionista and a lot more here about her Campaign With Make Up For Ever.  

Now she's breaking barriers again by landing a major beauty campaign with LVMH-owned cosmetics brand Make Up For Ever. The announcement broke Tuesday in a Vogue interview with the model, who was photographed by Patrick Demarchelier for the magazine's May issue. Make Up Forever confirmed the news to Fashionista and a representative for the brand said more details would be "revealed soon." No word yet as to when the campaign will debut or what products Pejic will be modeling.

The news makes Pejic one of the first transgender models to score a major beauty campaign, alongside Brazilian model Lea T, who was named the face of Redken Chromatics Haircolor in November.

When I started my transgender journey many years ago, I would have never guessed that such positive visibility would be possible. 

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Caitlyn Jenner the new face of MAC Cosmetics




By Emily Smith Page Six 

Caitlyn Jenner has been unveiled as the new face of MAC Cosmetics, in a landmark deal that makes her the first transgender star to land a big mainstream beauty contract.

The company announced Friday that Jenner, 66, has signed on as their newest celebrity endorsement, following in the footsteps of Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Fergie.

Beauty insiders said the deal is thought to be worth at least seven figures, and will see the cosmetics company, owned by Estée Lauder, become more involved in transgender issues and causes.

Page Six reported last June that Jenner was in talks with MAC, which the company denied at the time, and issued a statement, “M·A·C Cosmetics is a brand that embraces ALL AGES, ALL RACES and ALL SEXES and is a longstanding supporter of the LGBT community. We are inspired by Caitlyn Jenner, her personal journey and we admire her courage and beauty.”



Caitlyn had first been a spokesperson as the face of Wheaties during Bruce Jenner’s days as an Olympian.

And in September last year, Caityn raved about MAC Cosmetics in a video message posted on her website. Saying it was her favorite makeup brand, she added, “I think they do a great job. I love their coverage.”


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Thanks to Cheri Izzo for the heads up on this.



Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Mix 'n Match Casual

These are all item in my casual wardrobe and I have finally gained enough confidences to mix and match.  Shopping in the past had involved choosing from a brand’s selected color palettes and staying with it.  However once you have some basics like a great white denim or indigo blue jeans skirt and a feminine tee shirt or peasant blouse, your option are numerous.  Try it!

Next time you come in after an evening out, before the makeup comes off, go to your closet and play.  This extends your evening and is fun
You might discover that you already have a great outfit for your next visit to the land of femininity.

Check out different looks at sites like Fifty not Frumpy by Susan Street and her Polyvor site for great suggestions.  

Enjoy.
 
  

Monday, March 14, 2016

The Solicitor



Midsummer on the steamy streets of town where women fluttered by in filmy scraps of muslin, silk and such, while men perspired in standard two-piece suits and shirts and ties.

And he conformed; or so it seemed to those who came and sought his sound advice on wills, divorce, or disputes over land. Only he knew that, underneath his sober grey attire, his shaven legs were clad in sleek, expensive hose and black satin panties graced his trim behind. 

At weekends, freed from Work's restraints, made-up, golden wig in place, He dressed in women's clothes and hung around high-class hotels to look for lonely men. Some drinks, sweet talk about his looks, the way he moved, fulfilled his need. Maybe a kiss, then Cinderella-like he vanished in the night, while in the bar the stranger cursed his luck. 

And there he was, across the desk, quite unaware, he is with the one he lost


Maureen A. Jeffs
New Poems from The Literary Review
Clarissa Burden, Editor
(Robson Books)