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Showing posts from October, 2013

The Call of the Wild - Fall 2013

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The roar of the animal kingdom can be seen everywhere in Fall 2013 .  Recently, at a local department store, it was interesting to notice all the women wearing a meow motif piece in brown and camel - Cheetah or black and grey - Leopard .  The message was clear, animal prints remain classic, royally regal and in an vast array of apparel and accessory choices. Of course, never wear animal print from head to toe.  The reason why is the pelt will wear you and not the other way around.  For instance, recently several celebrities were wearing tight fitting cheetah print dresses and rather than noticing the person - it is the print that is recognized. Less is always best when it comes to taking on anything from the wild. Listed are the top five Forever Chic Style   animal categories.  The goal is to help you locate an item or to seek out a similar style at your desired price point.  For me, I generally purchase a more expensive piece that will last over many years.  In today's economy,

The White Queen (Starz - 2013) Mini Series based on Philippa Gregory Novels

     The White Queen is based on a series of historical fiction novels by author, Philippa Gregory.  The backdrop of the story is the bitter and violent struggle of the War of the Roses (House of York versus House of Lancaster lineage)  beginning in 1464 with the nation at war for the last nine years fighting cousin against cousin over who is the rightful heir to the throne of England.  And, when the a victor is named, loyalty by most is thrown out the window and instead power and greed is eagerly sought after from the spoils of war and kingship.  The White Queen covers three books- The White Queen - Elizabeth Woodville,   The Red Queen - Margaret Beaufort, and The Kingmaker's Daughter - Anne Neville .  The focus of the three powerful women is to protect and seek out  the thrown for either spouse or child under the cunning guise of following the one in power.  Each deftly uses the art of grace and diplomacy in obtaining their hidden goals knowing deep down that any strident an

Captain Phillips (2013): Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Faysal Ahmed, Mahat M. Ali

     Captain Phillips is a true story based on the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US MV Maersk Alabama.   This harrowing tale is a gripping thriller between Captain Phillips, Tom Hanks , the crew of the Alabama, an unarmed ship, and the US Navy against the Somali hijackers. The film opens with a lone ship traveling in open waters on a delivery route near the Cape Horn off of Africa.  The Somali pirates speed towards the Alabama with the plan of overtaking the ship and it contents with the objective of bringing in millions for the warlords based Somali.  The $30k offered is a mere pittance.  Nothing will stop the pirates. Muse, Barkhad Abdi , is brilliant as the lead hijacker who forcefully overtakes the ship and the captain.  In one poignant scene, Muse, looks into the eyes of Phillips, and says, "Look at me.  I am the captain now!"  The crew safely hidden, turns off the electricity and begins the process of trying to save the captain and the bridge crew.  Phil

October Forever Chic Style Flash - The Essential Beauty Products

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Fall is here and now is the time to clean out closets, give clothes to charity, update wardrobes and review essential beauty products for the wet and cold winter months.  With extremely sensitive skin, my search for beauty products that do not create a reaction is first and foremost.   Many products contain fragrances,  plant extracts or chemicals which can lead to a nasty red disaster on the face, eyes or body. Listed are five Forever Chic Style  recommendations that I use on a daily basis. All work wonders for my sensitive skin. 1. The Ultimate Sensitive Skin Body Soap:  Dove Beauty Bar sensitive skin unscented ($3.65 per bar)  - Everyday starts with a simple bar of soap.  And, for sensitive skin - Dove is the one to use on a daily basis.   This little bar cleanses, moisturizes, doesn't clog pores, is fragrance free and hypoallergenic.  Widely recommended by dermatologists and pediatricians.  In fact, my dermatologist recommends taking  bar of soap when traveling.  Never use

Gravity (2013): George Clooney and Sandra Bullock

     Gravity is a deeply moving film focusing on the survival of two people George Clooney ,  Matt  Kowalski, an astronaut, and Sandra Bullock , a medical engineer, Ryan Stone.  The visual effects from space are utterly breathtaking and at the same time terrifying.    The story revolves around a mishap by floating space junk which separates both Matt and Ryan from the outside of the shuttle, while in the process of fixing a problem.   The tale spins out of control with the main goal of survival.   The crazy and harrowing efforts to get back to land are bone chilling.  The images of the earth, the deafening silence except for breathing and their own words combined with the will to live keeps the audience on edge.  The film is an expose on how the human condition chooses to survive a horrific or challenging event where all that one has is wits, memories of others and the will to find a winning path against the elements.  Additionally, Gravity , reminds us that we are all just a grain

Royal and Opulent Inspired Apparel - Fall 2013

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  Royalty inspired attire in Fall 2013 is drenched in shades of cobalt blue, rich red, wine burgundy, emerald green, sunny orange and royal purple.  Add fur, strands of pearls, sparkling jewelry, chandelier earrings, chunky rings, red lips and become a 40's or 50's movie star or a Princess for the day.  Of course, no one really is going to wear a crown except, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, other royals or perhaps Katy Perry .  So, how does a fashion maven incorporate this zany and breathtaking Fall 2013  trend into a   Forever Chic Style wardrobe?      I. Start with Basics for Royal Opulence -   The core basics include black pants, jacket, pencil skirt and blouses.  Think of creating a cake using  the best flour, sugar and essential ingredients.  Once baked, a cake designer adds frosting, roses, elements, color and texture. Clothing accessories similar to frosting goodies makes basic apparel glitter amongst the dreary and boring.  Always spend more on basics than