Stop Stuffin'

Stuffing is probably my least favorite item from Thanksgiving (I like the pumpkin pie and my mom makes a fabulous carrot souffle!), but this time of year, we also see another kind of stuffing - stuffin' our pants into boots.

 

I'm not against wearing pants tucked into to boots, but I am against stuffing pants that aren't narrow or slim into a pair of boots. 

This excess build-up of fabric happens when we are wearing pants that are usually straight or boot cut.   That doesn't work when you then try to stuff that leg line into a pair of boots that hugs your calves. 

Just because everyone else seems to be wearing their pants tucked into their boots, doesn't mean you should too.  Seriously, stop stuffin!

I know the urge is strong, but it's more important to wear what's flattering for you.  If that happens to be jeans or pants with a boot cut, then so be it!  Just wear your pants OVER your boots.  Wearing your pants that way doesn't make you any less stylish.  I promise! 

Style is what looks good on you, not wearing something because that's what everyone else is doing. 

Keep in mind that boot cut pants (especially jeans), are not at all what they once were when they first became popular, about 10 years ago.  Nowadays, I tell my clients to look for something labeled "Slim Boot Cut". 

If you search the web with this key word phrase, you'll see that boot cut is much more fitted and stylized, but still provides that slight flare at the bottom of the leg, which is very slimming for anyone with hips and thighs (this is much more flattering than always being squeezed into skinny jeans!). 

I would rather have someone opt for a Slim Boot Cut than continue looking like a slave to fashion by stuffing their boots. 

High heels and designer bags don't make you stylish - you could be in flats and still be equally or more stylish because it all comes down to fit, proportion and shape.  Build your wardrobe with those key principles in mind and you'll never go wrong!  :) 

If you feel like your pants still bunch while wearing tall boots, check out these boot straps, which help keeps your pants tucked in to your boots.  So easy! 

Is it worth it? How to Recognize Quality

My best friend's father used to say this phrase all the time when we were growing up.  While I wouldn't call him a wealthy man, he really thought long and hard about where his money was going.

With our wardrobes, it can be easy to get sucked in by designer names, sales, outlet stores and trends.  So how do you know if something is worth your investment (big or small)? 

There are some telltale signs of quality that I always keep in mind.

*  You shouldn't be able to see the hem
This is a big one for me because so many times I can see the stitching of the hem on the outside of the garment and this immediately screams cheap (or bad tailoring).  This can happen with a skirt, a dress or even a coat. 

*  Loose threads
This occurs a lot in fast fashion, but can happen at any price point when items are mass produced.  While I wouldn't walk away from a garment with loose threads, I would consider what I'm buying --- I don't want to spend a lot of money on something I'm going to wear a lot (like a winter coat), only to have it fall apart or need to be fixed after a month of wear. 

*  Reinforced buttons
This is a sure sign of quality as I almost never see small, reinforced buttons on any inexpensive or mid-range items.  Little, reinforced buttons don't need to be on everything - they're best on items you are wearing a lot like a winter coat, a trench coat, or a sport coat (they're usually buttons that are a bit smaller than the ones you see on the outside of the garment, that are sewn on the inside to make the outside button stronger).

All these little extras take time (and money), which is why you won't see them on very cheap clothing items. 

*  Matching patterns
I probably point this one out the most -- to men and women.  Unless a pattern is truly random (like an animal print), it should always match at the seams.  If it doesn't, this is another factor that we can easily spot and looks cheap.

Men -- stripes on polos or t-shirts should match at the sleeve.  Sport coats and suits should also always match at the arm and at the seams.  Make sure pinstripes line up. 

Women -- patterns should match on the sides of dresses and skirts (and wherever there is a zipper sewn in). 

*  Zippers
Speaking of zippers, not only should they match the color of the garment (yes, in some women's fashions they are made to stand out), but they're more durable when they're metal and not plastic.

Most buttons nowadays are also plastic.  For men, when you really want to look sharp and are spending a bit of money, a great sign of quality is horn or mother-of-pearl buttons -- this is a subtle little detail that can really finish off the right suit, shirt or coat. 

*  Avoid anything super shiny
Shiny buttons, jewelry and hardware on bags happens a lot in women's fashion (not so much with men).  While things like buttons can be changed, I usually won't even buy the garment because I'm pretty sure the rest of it is going to be crap (itchy fabric, loose threads, uneven stitching). 

Really cheap handbags and jewelry usually fall victim to the shininess factor and are waaaay too shiny to ever look good (or real).  You don't have to opt for matte metals, but super shiny should be avoided. 

*  Country of origin
Lastly, but most importantly, you can tell a lot about a garment by where it's made.  No surprise, but "Made in China" or "Made in the Philippines" is not the same as "Made in the USA" or "Made in Italy". 

These finishing details require extra time, better materials, and skilled workers.  This doesn't mean these things can't be found overseas, but items that cost a bit more and are worth your hard earned money, will usually be finished in places other than China or India. 

If you're unsure, just ask.  The sales associates should be knowledgeable about the garments on their sales floor and will be happy to answer your questions. 

Hopefully this will shed some light on how to recognize quality when shopping for anything, anywhere -- at home, online or abroad! 

 

I Can Eat My Deodorant!

Really!  I can!  I've been making my own deodorant for a few years now (actually my mom makes it and we split it), but this is a great thing to do for many reasons. 

I opted to make my own because, well, I don't want them finding aluminum in my brain (linked to several illnesses). 

It's also better for your clothes since it's a natural substance.  It isn't as harsh on the fibers and, it really works!  (Trust me, I do Cheerobix, which burns 600 calories/hour, and I don't stink after class :).  It's also inexpensive and lasts for several months.

Here's the recipe.  This calls for grapefruit essential oil, but you can add whatever you like - lavender, lemon, or leave it out completely. 

And remember, coconut oil should be unrefined - not refined.  Refined is processed and can be too hard on the liver.  As for essential oil, make sure you're buying the good stuff, i.e. 100% pure.  You don't want to be putting synthetics into your body, especially through the skin when there is no filter.

Just like the recipe states, I keep mine in a glass jar.  It will get softer in the summer months, and in the winter, your body heat will help it melt and glide on easily. 

This is a great deodorant recipe for both genders and if you're interested in how I've removed all the chemicals from my beauty routine, please subscribe to my blog, sign up for my free monthly newsletter (see the margin to the right :), or check back. 
 

Men - you might not use as many "beauty products" as women, but it's still a good idea to remove chemical-filled products from your life.  There's no way our bodies (and poor liver!), can filter everything!  A good place to start is Dr. Bronner's.  This is a picture I took of their shaving cream at Whole Foods.  Their products are organic, certified fair trade and non-toxic. 

I've spent 4 years figuring out what brands are easy to buy, find, and what I can make on my own that doesn't take up tons of time (or money). 

From shampoo to laundry detergent to lotion, lipstick and more, it's been an interesting journey and I'm thrilled to help others live a healthy, toxic-free life!

Here's my favorite account to follow on Instagram regarding natural health, including a recipe for homemade laundry detergent (that last 1 year! - talk about inexpensive :) and other recommend brands.  (And yes, washing soda is a thing -- that's not a typo :).

This girl really knows her stuff!  The things she posts, blows my mind (be sure to check out the Instagram post about music - the vibration has been lowered from 432 hz to 440 hz!).  Even if you're not on Instagram, you can still check out her blog (just Google, 'Organic Olivia').

Here's a blog post I wrote about toxic-free, 100% natural moisturizer, night cream, blush, foundation, mascara and more.

I'd love to know what products you use that are non-toxic and easy to find or make.  I believe we can get back to how nature intended and away from so many chemicals.  Our bodies, our planet and the future is depending on it.  :)