HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, AMERICA!

I am beginning my weekend early to enjoy a parade, fireworks and relatives in for a visit!

So you have a great weekend too!



Let's here it for the RED

WHITE
and BLUE!!!

The Skinny Headband Trend

I wish I could pull this look off!

I've tried-but I just feel.....silly.

And my head aches after awhile....

Here are some cute ones from Forever 21!

Summer 2009: Swim Suits for Trouble Areas

I said it last summer and I'll say it again this summer: I think Land's End has the best selection of bathing suits, especially if you have areas that need help. Yes they are pricier, but I consider feeling comfortable to be up there with peace of mind.


Now if you have a great body that looks good in any bikini from any store - then this is not the post for you (go on with your bad self)........my focus is on women who want to be more covered up but still look good and stylish.


If you want to help your apple shaped mid-section- check out these ruched tops:


If you want to help your pear shaped lower half, add these swim mini skirts, swim shorts or ruched bottoms:

To help minimze your bust area:

There are so many colors, styles and patterns to choose from (even more it seems in the catalog then on-line)-check it out for yourself: http://www.landsend.com/. They are sold in separates to mix and match. You can choose longer torso lengths, as well as mastectomy suits.




For those interested in bermuda length swim shorts then the local company My Girl Trunks is worth a look: http://www.mygirltrunks.com/

Real Life Ramblings

I am going into my second year of writing this style blog (third year if you count my style blog for cleveland.com). Even in my weekly column at The Sun News I talk about shopping of some sort.

Although I love writing about style and fashion, there are just times I want to talk about other things besides.....style and fashion. And I am not sure how to remedy this. I may eventually break off into another blog, because I know some readers come here just for style. But for now I just want to post about other things every now and again, or maybe weekly, I don't know.

I have other real life thoughts brewing in my brain.....

-like the fact that my only child (not for lack of trying)turned 5! f-i-v-e! last week and somehow that made me feel melancholy. And somehow just instinctually he knew that I needed lots of snuggling and cuddling this week, and has been asking for just that himself. And how I never knew that I could love a little boy so much it hurts. And how when I look into his tiny face and eyes my heart just bursts with emotions for him. And how when I look over at my husband he knows exactly how I am feeling because he feels the same way about him. And how even though we are a small family, we are still so blessed to have each other- and I need to feel that gratitude everyday.

-like the fact that I feel sad that the death of Billy Mays and Farrah Fawcett are over-shadowed by Michael Jackson's death. Oh believe me I understand it. Despite Michael's flaws and suspicious activity, he still should be respected for his AMAZING talent. Maybe it's the fact also that I have been watching Billy's new reality show on the Discovery channel, called Pitch Men (produced by my friend, Matt Crocco), and I was really enjoying him! And how strange that it may be related to his plane landing roughly and something falling and hitting his head on the flight! Something that can happen to any one of us! Scary! But now they are saying maybe heart disease....

-like the fact that, I am writer at heart (I didn't realize I was for many, many years as I tried different careers-teaching made me realize it most of all) and this year I took the time to write a young adult book (never even know I had it in me)! And how tough it is to traverse the literary agent and publishing world-a journey I am just beginning.....That's about all I want to say about it, so wish me luck :)

-like the fact that it's already June 30th and I don't even know where June went-what the heck? I have so many things I still want to do this summer.......

So please bear with when I choose to just say what's on my mind every now and again...I promise to throw in something style related- like the fact that gladiator sandals are really growing on me this year (which supports my theory of fashion desensitization), and how I still hate jumpsuits and stirr-ups and acid wash (I have not been desensitized by them yet-not enough market saturation). :):) HAVE A GOOD DAY!

Beauty: What is the best foundation for oily skin?

Ask Christina:
This question comes from A Duck in her Pond: What is the best foundation for my oily skin?

Answer: Well I am sure all my readers and bloggy friends can also help out with this question. Especially those with this kind of skin who haved tried it all!

I have read that, if you have an oily complexion, you should choose a powder type foundation (pressed or loose, like the mineral kind) or a liquid foundation that's water based (not oil based like others).

Here's some other advice I came across: When shopping for oily skin foundations, choose one that is one shade lighter than your natural shade. That way, if the oils in your skin darken the foundation, it won't be a problem.

SO, here are some of my ideas (there are alot of products on the market for oily skin):

Clinique’s Stay-True Makeup Oil-Free Formula:

Almay’s Clear Complexion Liquid Makeup :

MAC Studio Fix :
Bobbi Brown's Oil-free Even Finish Foundation:

Bare Minerals (or Sheer Cover, which is another mineral make-up):

Maybelline pure makeup foundation which is 50% water based:


Readers, do you want to weigh in?

Four Word Weekend: Beach Time

HAVEN'T GOTTEN THERE YET.........

Celebrity Chic But Cheap: Minka Kelly

Simple.

Comfy.

Causally chic.

Another way to wear your vest for summer.

'Nuff said.

(photo credit:imnotobsessed.com)

Here's my re-creation below:

***to view items or stores in detail, click on the image below***

minka kelly by real style real people featuring Old Navy

p.s. on an un-fashion related sidenote (but maybe not- the one glove and sgt. pepper jackets, the red bathing suit, and feathered bangs)-WOW Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett in the same day-it was surreal watching all the coverage last night-like the sumation (and conclusion)of my 70's and 80's together.........like closing that chapter, but not really....just really strange.....but not so very surprising....

Wearing White Bottoms

I used to shy away from white bottoms of any kind for several reasons.


One reason was because I was afraid they would make my bottom look heavier (the opposite of black-slimming).

Another reason was I hated panty lines and the way undergarments showed through.

The last reason is I didn't want to get them dirty, quickly, knowing my clumbsiness rate.


But now I have the formula for them DOWN. When looking for white pants or skirts, go for thicker material and some kind of pockets on the behind (covers panty troubles); with skirts, go with multi-layered or thicker materials, so nothing shows through!


Some thing like these pants with flap or welt pockets on the back and substantial material-cargos dont work for everyone, though, because of the side pockets adding volume):


Or these bermuda shorts (again substantial cotton blend material with some sort of pocket on the back):


Or a white denim pencil skirt with same pricipals as above:

All of the above were from Old Navy!

If you want to buy a feminine cirlce skirt, I would choose one with more than one layer, like this one from Target:

As far as getting them dirty and clumsiness are concerned- nothing has changed. But they wash pretty well. You're bound to get stains over a couple of seasons of wear-so go for budget friendly pieces or good 'ol bleach!

Real vs. Deal: Key Charm Necklaces

Oh Tiffany's you always know how to pull me right into your catalogues. Your key charms are FABULOUS!!!!

I lust after them, and therefore, decided to make my own budget friendly version (I added a stone to mine):

Here are the different kinds of keys that I have on hand:

I can make any length (the length I am wearing in the picture is 24 inches long) and put any stone (or not).

If you'd like me to make you one, just email me: christinalee@ameritech.net and I'll make it for $18, $20 with a stone.

Now remember this is just costume jewelry.

If you'd like a sterling silver key, with a sterling silver heart initial tag, including a freshwater pearl or swarovski crystal, then go to my Tags-n-Stones site and order my new KEY to my HEART necklace for $36!

A Chain Strap Bag

I am attracted to chain strap bags.

They soften a handbag, making them look more delicate and feminine.




Here are some other budget friendly options:

***to view stores or items in detail, just click on the image below***





chain strap bags by real style real people featuring MAXX New York bags


(photo credit: sugarscape.com, unusualthreads.com)

Beauty: Waterproof Makeup

I definitely wear waterproof mascara all year long but in the summer it's especially important so that I don't get raccoon eyes. Right now I am testing out different kinds (based on my lovely readers suggestions a couple of months ago).



Here is my brand new favorite waterproof mascara: DiorShow Black Out Waterproof Mascara



Here are some other waterproof tested products, according to Glamour Magazine:

Covergirl Outlast Lipstain:

L'O'real Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner:
The Body Shop Bright Lips and Cheek Stain:
Estee Lauder Double Wear Shadow Creme:
Hourglass Supernatural Waterproof Bronzer:
Readers, do you wear anything waterproof in the hottest months?

Happy Father's Day!

I couldn't let this occasion go by without pointing out some sweet and hot celebrity dads:

And my own guy: He's a celebrity to me :) LOVE YOU!