No Wash Wednesday! The Top Knot.

If I've said it once,  I've said it a hundred times (well at least 10). I HATE washing and blowing out my HAIR! Although, my dream would be to hit the Dry Bar once or twice a week, my reality is surfing the net for fun "up do's". Here is another fun style, the "top knot".  My inspiration here....

Kimberly of eat.sleep.wear.

 I like mine a little bit more on the crown of my head. Also mine is bit flattened out, and messy.   I have also worn it more like Kimberly, a bit tighter and more on top (I'll post another time). Someone even asked me if I was a ballerina one day....(has she seen my butt? DO I LOOK LIKE A BALLERINA!!!)

Here I am in my Modified Top Knot.. with "how to" steps to follow....

(Thanks Joelle for snapping these cute pics!)


  ROSEystyle Recommends:

 1. Use a flat brush to smooth hair into a ponytail. 

 2. Tilt your head back while securing with an elastic to avoid sag at the nape. 

3. Twist the ends into knot and fasten with hair pins. 

 4. Rub surface with hands to loosen some pieces and create texture. 

 5. Mist holding spray over the top knot to ensure it lasts day and night.

And the Oscar Goes to (Really)?

If not for the red carpet dazzle, last nights Oscars would have been a TOTAL snooze.  Well except for the Artist taking so many wins.  That was GOOD! And to think my hubby dragged me to it! I mean, me, at a silent movie.  Really!?  But I digress....

As always my favorite part of the night was the Red Carpet.  I NEVER would have predicted so many visions in WHITE!!!  So after much debate over whether I loved or hated Gywenths cape (hated it) but loved the dress when she presented, and that 164 carat Anna Hu Hearts of fire cuff was to die for!

Oh, and speaking of winners, don't forget to click the link at the top of my blog to vote for  ROSEystyle  at Circle of Moms top 25 Mom Fashion Blogs.






ROSEystyle  Oscar Faves are....

#1 Fave Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab

#2 Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

#3 Rooney Mara in Givenchy

The only question of the night for me was.....Sandra why the dress and what have you done to your face?!!

Sandra Bullock in Marchesa

Vote for ROSEystyle on Cirlcle of Mom's

I am so grateful to all of you that read my blog.

I would love to get even more people reading ROSEystyle and you can help!  With your vote, you can make ROSEystyle one of the top 25 Mom Fashion blogs, featured on Circle of Mom's Top 25 List.

Just click on the the the circle of Mom's link here, (or over there), and scroll down until you see me!  Then Vote! It's that easy!  You can vote every 24 hours, so don't be afraid to vote more then once (please). Voting closes on February 28th at 5pm PST.

ROSEystyle Recommends Circle of Mom's.....

Circle of Moms was launched in October 2008 and quickly became a modern-day version of the world’s oldest social network, authenticating the mom-to-mom connection with a tie-in to members’ true online identities, courtesy of Facebook. It was a runaway success: over two million moms joined in its first six months, establishing and championing thousands of communities to exchange information, advice, and support.

With moms guiding the design of a steady stream of new features and enhancements, listening carefully to users has become deeply embedded in the company's culture and practices, and continues to fuel the growth of a vibrant community that’s now 6 million moms strong.

Circle of Moms raised $1.5 million in financing from leading investors Floodgate Fund and SoftTech
VC. In February 2012, Circle of Moms became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sugar, Inc.

Twist Pin and Repeat...

 As you all know I will do anything to make my blow out last one more day, so I am always looking  for new ideas for "updo's".  This week I found one, actually many with Christina at  Hair Romance 

It may look complicated, but it's really super easy all you do is twist, pin and repeat!

Step #1: Part your hair on the side.

Step #2: Take a small section of hair at the left behind your ear and twist and pin on your neckline.

Step #3: Do the same twist and pin behind your right ear and pin on your neckline.

Step #4: Then separate the rest of your hair into equal sections and repeat, twisting into little buns and pinning on the nape of your neck.

Voila!  

ROSEY's Rags.....Happy Valenitnes Day!

Make sure you put on something red today! I know it's a bit cliche, but styled right, it be chic and not silly! Have a great one.

Dress - Max Studio (similar) via TJ Maxx
Leather Jacket - (similar)
Shoes - Corso Como (similar)
Necklace - Stella and Dot c/o Sandy Sloan*
Earings - Stella and Dot c/o Sandy Sloan
Ring - Stella and Dot  c/o Sandy Sloan




(and of course opi gel bubble bath on my nails)

xoJamie 

* Special thanks to my bff (Stella and Dot stylist extraodinaire) for not only helping style my jewelry, but for taking these great shots!

Be Mine....

Diamond Hoop Earings $3500.00 Home Consignment Shop (Corte Madera,CA)

A girl can dream can't she?

The count down is on for Valentines Day! If your hoping for something other then chocolates here are some great ideas for Valenitnes day gifts.

More Hanky Panky...

Y-O-U! You wanna? L-U-V Madonna!

I know I already L-U-V Madonna and I think most women (well at least those of us 40 and above) do too!!

Top Reason's Why Y-O-U Wanna, L-U-V Madonna (or already do!!)

• She doesn't care what anyone thinks about her. She never has and clearly never will.

• She can wear Givenchy, 5 inch Mui Mui heels, Bulgari jewels and a Erickson Beamon head dress  to a SUPERBOWL!  (really who can do that?!!!)

•  Although she is a MOM, you will NEVER see her in "mom jeans"!

• She is above 40 and is the definition of FABULOUS (really look it up!)  

But seriously, we could all use a bit of Madonna in us.   A dose of her confidence, a dash of her rebellious spirit, and a sprinkle of her ability to be an original.  It is what she stands for to all women that  makes her really beautiful to me.

Naomi Wolfe got it right I think...

"So Madonna's refusal to be less powerful, less entitled, less desiring and less not-ordinary, is always going to bring out the haters, whether she is playing with sacred iconography or just pissing people off. But I would say that this ongoing hostility is just the proof she should need that she is doing her proper job in the collective female psyche".

And so, that is why I wanna (always have and always will)  L-U-V Madonna. Go MADGE!

Rosey's Rags....Pretty in Pink!

Gap Sweater, Joes Jeans(similar), Rebbecca Minkoff Bag (similar), Mia Flats (similar)

Red and Pink is super HOT right now. And brignts are a definite must for wear now and Spring.  Unfortunately for me, my cats chewed on my FAVE red ballet flats and I've yet to replace them.  So the only pop of red I had for my pink sweater was my beloved (and well worn) Rebecca Minkoff (Niki Hobo) bag.  Ironically, this photo was taken on Ground Hog day, I feel a bit like Punxsutawny Phil.  (six more weeks of winter?!!) Well I would LOVE to go skiing in some fresh powder.

But I digress,  back to the subject of brights, particularly hot pink and red. I am also planning on making a ruffle scarf in this yarn! Fun!  Let me know if you will jump on the brights trend for spring!

knitting fever flounce yarn

Will you Wu Target this weekend?

I can't say I am super excited for Jason Wu for target.  While I like some of the designs, it is not WOWing my like Missoni.  But it is another big fashion moment that all the Recesionistas are talking about, so I can't let it go by with out at least a mention.

I have posted all the styles I could find from their "Look Book" so you can decide, if it's worth dragging yourself out of your cozy bed on Sunday morning for.  Me? I think I'll be sleeping in. And then there is the Super bowl after all.

Although the black cat tote is awfully cute!

Hair, Grow it, Show it !

"Gimme a head with hair, long beautiful hair, shining, gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen....." 
 
Most women have a special bond with their hairstylist, and I am no exception.  Here I am leaving Lavish after having another great session with Lindsay.  She is so great she even snapped this photo of me!  I LOVE her!

Every time I go it's different.   Sometimes it's highlights and color, sometimes just a "glaze" (not sure what that is exactly, but it seems to tone down the natural red I have in my hair, yay!)most times she trims a bit, but sometimes it's a full cut.  And of course there is the ever important Brazilian Blowout(formaldyhyde fee of course)!!!

As we age, our hair needs more attention.  It looses the shine and luster of our youth and of course there are those nasty grays, a symbol of wisdom?!! All it says to me is OLD!  I don't have the most beautiful hair, in fact, I have never felt it to be one of my better features, but  a great hairstylist can make it whatever you want.

 Additionally, another secret I've found besides Lindsay, (and this might gross you out!!!) is to wash your hair only once or twice a week.  I know eww! But it truly works.  All that washing and blow drying really strips your hair of its natural oils which leads to blah hair.  How do I do it?  It's easy.  

More Pureology...

ROSEystyle  Recommends....

1. Get a blow out, or do it yourself.  If you go for a blow out, I LOVE the Dry Bar on filmore. Not local, no worries blow out only salons are popping up everywhere!
2. Own a good curling iron and flat iron for touch ups.
3. Make sure you have the following: 

• a shower cap (I'm recommending skipping the hair wash, but a shower is a must!!)
• dry shampoo (to "clean" your roots and soak up oily build up)
• hair oil (to add shine to ends)

      4. Be flexible and creative!!

This is how a typical week will go for me:

Day One -  Blow out.   This day I usually wear my hair straight!  It is shiny and fabulous.

Day Two - Slight touch up with oil on the ends, (maybe flat iron).  This day my hair is still straight and may look better then Day One!

Day Three -  I add a little dry shampoo to the roots and wash and blow dry my bangs. Then I determine what to do. Usually this is a half up half down day.  Maybe I straighten again, or maybe I add a little wave.

Day Four - Maybe another 1/2 up 1/2 down day, maybe I  need a wash?  IF I can avoid a wash I will. Again more dry shampoo at the roots and oil at the ends.

Day Five and Six....Wash bangs. Have fun with an updo!  Maybe a sock bun, a twist or a high pony.

Wash and Repeat!!!

Here is to many good hair days!!!!!!!

xoJamie

 

  

Gelish-ious!

I am OBESSED with Gel manicures.  I have tried them all Shelac CND, Gelish by Harmony and now I'm on to OPI GelColor.

Although gel has become super popular in the Bay Area  I have found it hard to find a sheer "natural" color.  I have this thing about "no color" color on my nails.  Maybe it's from growing up in Jersey and seeing all the long red acrylic lacquer nails, or maybe it's because my Mom never liked it.  I'm not sure.  But for whatever reason you will NEVER see me with colored finger nails.   So, I have been on the search for the perfect "natural" gel color, and I've finally found it.  Leave it to OPI! In the photos here I am wearing  OPI's GelColor, Bubble Bath. 

I hope by now many of you have tried a Gel manicure and if you haven't you should!  For those of you yet to jump onto the gel trend here is the skinny......


Gel polish is a new kind of nail polish that is “cured” under a UV light to dry.


Why ROSEystyle Recommends...
 
Speedy quick dry time! The UV light dries the polish within minutes.  This means when you leave the salon your nails are completely dry.  No dry time =  no smudging and no dents.
 
This stuff lasts! Gel polish lasts from 2-3 weeks with no chipping. And it stays SUPER shiny.
 
Won't damage your nails like acylics! Unlike traditional enhancements you don’t have to fear the drills or filing down of your nails.
 
Works on natural nails. While you can add length if you want, Gel Polish can be used over a natural nail like traditional polish.

ROSEystyle Warnings....
 
As usual, beauty comes with a price! Gel Polish can only be applied by a professional and the service is more pricey than a traditional manicure. If you are really skilled, you can buy a UV light and gel polish online but it’s not a cheap set-up.  A Gel mani will set you back aprx $25-$35(plus tip), here in SF.


It takes some patience. Getting a Gel manicure can take longer than a traditional manicure and removal adds time. Gel polish must be soaked off with acetone.  This is done by soaking a piece of cotton in acetone, applying it to the nail with aluminum foil and waiting aprx 5-10 minutes for the stuff to soften and peel away. Even after soaking, some polish needs to be scrapped and filed off. Give yourself 45-30 minutes for the whole process.




The pro's clearly out-weigh the cons in my book.  So what are you waiting for?  And don't forget to let me know you favorite color too!!!  

Oops I Thrifted Again!

 Unfortunately, the lighting in these pictures is terrible! It was raining outside and well, I really wanted to post this great dress!

Remember when I thrifted that fun dress for holiday parties?  Well, I also scored this great number.  It was missing a belt, but NO problem.  For $15.00 I knew I could find something at home that would work.  I honestly, don't think this dress was worn very much. It was in perfect condition.  It is a Banana Republic dress (100% merino wool!)

In the first photo I've paired it with a sweater that I already owned from H&M (similar).   And I wish you could see my fab boots.  What is great about them, besides the sexy pointed toe, is that the back is completely stretchy.  So comfortable!!! They are last years (Calvin Klein), but I found this similar pair by Stuart Weitzman on sale, if you are in the market for new boots.

Maybe this is the beginning of a new favorite hobby??

Shop 'til you Drop

Enjoy this MLK day at work or at home and give your winter wardrobe a little lift with one of these great sales.

Happy Shopping!
xoROSEystyle


40% off at Ann Taylor plus secret online sale.
65% off at the Neiman Marcus sale.
60% off at the Barneys New York sale (including Lady Gaga’s Workshop).
70% off today at Mango’s clearance sale.
Get an extra 60% off the LOFT sale with promo code SAVENOW.
40% off at the Vince Camuto sale.
The final sale at J.Crew is still happening.
20% off jeans at Madewell + free shipping on orders over $100 with code WINTER.
70% off at the Linen’s ‘N Things White sale.
Take 15% off spring stuff at Boden.
20% off shoes at Urban Outfitters.

40% off sneakers at 6pm.

Tons of great deals at Old Navy.

Up to 30% off at Macy’s.

40% off at the Twice-Yearly Lime Tag sale at Piperlime.

Up to 50% off at Express.

Up to 50% off at Nordstrom.
25% off winter boots at the Sorel sale.
Crazy-good deals at Target–they change so often, we can’t even keep track.
50% off at Gap.
40% off at Piperlime. 
40% off shoes at ASOS.
60% off Kate Middleton-worthy dresses at Reiss.
30% off at Topshop.
30% off at Anthropologie.
70% off designer goods at The Outnet.
30% off at Calvin Klein.
25% off at Charlotte Russe.
Up to 70% off at Saks.
Up to 60% off at Trina Turk.

The Eyes Have it

 

Not only are your eyes the window to your soul, they are also important to how you look. I came home yesterday having just had my eyebrows and eyelashes shaped and tinted at Benefit on Chestnut Street, and my whole family noticed "something" looked different about me.  No one was quite sure what, but all agreed I looked good!  

Having great shaped eyebrows and lushes lashes can really polish your day to day look.  I've shown you all before my 5 minute make up, here are some new tricks and products to add to your arsenal, that will take your beauty up a notch.  

1.    Find a great eyebrow/eyelash stylist!  On a budget? I love Nataile at Benefit on Chestnut street! If you have a bigger budget try Kia at Blink.
2.   Tint your eyebrows and (lashes maybe). Also consider and eyelash perm (bye, bye eyelash curler).
3.  Try an eyelash growth product, I use Lilash!  They really work!!!
4.   If you have a bigger budget get professional lash extensions!!! But at $250 for a first application and $75.00 for fill in's this a big splurge!! But WOW do they give you lashes to envy!!
5.  Try at home lash extensions or false lashes.  I've been giving them a whirl and they are pretty fun and easy to use.  Just go on you tube for some easy tutorials

 Once you've lushed out your lashes and polished your brows, add a few products to your home routine (featured below) and viola, your eyes and your soul will be even more beautiful then ever!

More Ardell...

Stripes take two.....

Once I get a style idea for a day it obviously sticks with me!  This happens to me more then I'd like to admit.  Although I don't intend to "mother/daughter" dress, often my daughter and end up this way. Looking somewhat the same.  I dressed my daughter this morning at 7am in this cute stripey number.  I dressed myself 7 hours later in a stripey number as well.   When I showed up at school to pick her up,  I giggled a little.  But ultimately, I think this illustrates how a great trend can look good at any age! Don't you agree?

Outfits:
On Me:
Sweater- Kensie
Tee shirt - H & M
Tank Top - H & M
Leggins - Mossimo
Shoes - Banana Republic


On My Girl:
Top - Gap Kids
Skirt - (hand me down)
Leggings - Gap Kids
Sneakers - Converse

Out with the Old, In with the New...(you)

Most women come to me and say "I need to go shopping, I have nothing to wear!"  When I reply "Well, it's true you may need to do some shopping, but I bet you have things to wear in your closet already. Let's start there."  They almost always look at me in disbelief, and it usually takes some coaxing and convincing(which of course I win) before they let me in to take a peek. Together we go through each item piece by piece.  We go through it all!  The shelves, drawers, and hangers, everything, so we can evaluate what we have.  You can do this with a professional (like me) or your bff.  But I recommend before  you shop for another piece of clothing you do a good closet clean out. Here is what I recommend:

You must go through every item you own.  No corner should be left unturned.  Once you have gone through every piece, you will create three piles:

1. couldn't dream of giving up (this is your keep pile)
2. not sure how this works on me, or with my style (this is your maybe pile)
3. OMG why did I ever wear this?  (this is your donate/resell pile).

You can create these piles by using your "gut".  Like on a standardized test, go with your first answer, your instinct (it's usually right).  Pick up the item.  Try it on if you need to.  Pick a pile and don't look back (with one exception).   As you are evaluating your items ask yourself:


1. Do I wear this?
2. Do I look fab in it?
3. Does it fit into my current life/personal style?


hint...If your answer is no to any of these questions this item does not belong in your "keep" pile.

The exception to no looking back I mentioned above is your "keep" pile.  As you get rid of things, you may find yourself putting MANY things in your “keep” pile. You should go through the "keep" pile 2x,  just to make sure the item is truly a keeper.   I've noticed my clients will hold onto clothes for years as they gather dust in there closets.  Those suits you wore in the 90's when you worked full time,  they need to GO!    IF an item falls into this category it's time to say good bye.  The only exceptions to this rule are couture "gala" gowns,  your wedding dress (which should be boxed up anyway!), sentimental items (should be boxed as well), and one pair of "thin" jeans. One pair!  It's good to have goals!   Remember for every item you get rid of you are opening the door to adding something that you will really use.

The important thing to remember is to build your closet around the life you’re living now.  Your closet will usually have five basic components:

1. Work clothes (Or clothes for board and PTA events and charity meetings if you stay home.)
2.  Casual clothes (These are your "dressed down" looks...NOT sweat pants!! Think Sunday brunch.)
3.  Going out clothes (date night, casual parities or night out on the town)
4.  Work out clothes ( You want to look good while sweating too!! right?)
5.  Dressier evening attire (think gala's and events)

Depending upon your lifestyle your wardrobe will be more concentrated in specific areas.  For example if you work full time, you should concentrate on office clothes. If you are a stay at home mom, you should focus on casual, comfortable clothes.  If you love a good party, and find yourself at events and galas, make sure you have plenty of "going out" and dressier looks.  It’s all about they way you live.

This is the first step in finding the new you!  I will give you time to work on this.  Check back for more of my tips on getting your wardrobe in shape for 2012!

Live in the Bay Area? Need help?  Is your bff too busy in her own closet?  Book a free 30 minute wardrobe consultation with me!

Bling in the New Year!

Bling in The New Year

Easy accessories can make your holiday outfit sparkle!  You don't have to spend a bundle to look Fabulous this New Year!  Whatever the occasion you can add some bling with out breaking the bank.

I'm Dreaming of a thrifted Christmas....

Dress thrifted (brand unknown!)

Payless shoes

Stella and Dot Necklaces; After Midnight and Starry Night

Some people LOVE thrifting....me not so much. But after reading so many fashion blogs each week I got inspired. My sis-in-law and I were on a shopping binge in SF and we happened upon a fabulous thrift shop! I turned up my nose at first, until I saw this dress and couldn't resist it. After all it was $25.00! Paired with my borrowed Stella and Dot necklaces (my bff is a stylist for them!) and my Payless(yes can you believe it?) shoes. I looked like a million bucks, for only $55.00!!!

Lesson:  Don't be afraid of thrifting...remember, one fashionista's trash is a reccionista's treasure!

I hope your holiday's were happy!

ROSEy's Rags.... A Christmas Carol

Paul Sinclair Jacket  2010 line, Honey and Hive boots (similar), Michael byMichael Kors bag.

For the past several years my kids and I head downtown during the holidays to go see ACT's: A Christmas Carol,  here in San Francisco.  We are so proud of our friend Alex who has gone from playing a dancing fig to this year playing Little Fan (Scrooge's sister in the Christmas past scene).

Before the show, we took in the holiday windows and decorations in Union Square.  It also gave me a chance to wear this fabulous Paul Sinclaire coat all day!  (usually I just put it on for a special night out!).  I love this jacket with it's cascading ruffles!  My girlfriend and  I picked up matching one's last year (one right off the manikin) at Saks.  Thanks Leesa, I'm still loving my coat!

Last Minute Gifts Under $50

If you are like me you may still be doing some shopping! If so, here are a few last minute ideas!!

Last Minute Gifts Under $50 by roseystyle 

1.Dorothy Perkins cocktail ring, $22

2, SEPHORA by OPI Glitter and Sparkle Four Piece Full Size Nail Colour..., $28
3. Too Faced Glamour To Go 2 Pocket Palette Glamour to Go 2 Pocket..., $23
4. Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish, 7 oz., $38
5 Farm To Table Apron, $42
6 Yedi Houseware Classic Coffee and Tea Butterfly Espresso Cups and..., $27 
7.LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics | USA, $408. Homegrown Monogram Mug, $4
9. Trish Mcevoy Votive Candle Trio ($78 Value), $45
10 .Pure; Good Hand Duo, $20