Wardrobe Deja Vu

Hello Beautiful!

Is your wardrobe having deja vu? With fashion's ever-revolving door, trends we thought were dead and buried in the back of our closets have come back. Here are some fads I know I never thought I'd wear again — and how to revive them if you so choose.

The Crop Top

Call Brenda Walsh and Kelly Taylor — the crop top is taking over the catwalks faster than you can yell "Donna Martin graduates!" But this isn't your Tiffany Theissen brand of belly baring: At Balenciaga and Miu Miu, skin was exposed in a tight strip that only showed the rib cage—no baby tees or belly jewels allowed.

The Plaid Flannel

If your parents never let you dress like Courtney Love in high school, there's still time thanks to Hedi Slimane. The new creative director of Saint Laurent Paris showed a provocative Fall 2013 collection where shredded black nylons, oversize cardigans, and iconic plaid flannels were de rigeur. (Besides being the apparent muse, Love is now the face of the collection's campaigns.) Grab your Manic Panic and get to work building "My So Called Wardrobe."

The White Eyeliner
Say "Ciao, Manhattan!" and hello to white eyeliner: This Edie Sedgwick staple came back into the spotlight at Marc Jacobs' and Moschino's Spring 2013 collections. Makeup artist Francois Nars created the look on model muse Ruby Jean Wilson, but the favorite for pigment and long-lasting wear is Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner in Snow. Do a basic cat-eye with black liquid liner first, then add a strong line of white just above it, add heaps of mascara (clumps okay if you're going for Edie's madcap glam look) and you're a Factory Girl!

The Perm

Nobody puts Baby in a corner, but they can blow-out her hair… right? Apparently not, according to a slew of reports that perms are back. But this isn't Jennifer Grey's curly bob—it's a new process with more gentle chemicals designed to emulate the perfect Boho waves of Blake Lively and Rachel Zoe without the heat-damage of a curling iron. And if your stylist goes too far with the look, you can always call Teen Witch and beg her to fix it.

The White Heel
We all remember Carrie Bradshaw's white heels in Paris—and how they turned from a fashion "do" into fashion "doo-doo" thanks to an unlucky walk near some dogs. But that hasn't stopped Prada and Jil Sander from sending white shoes down the runway, and making "watch your step" a literal edict for street style stars in Milan and London.

Prada Patent Leather Platform Sandals, $850; neimanmarcus.com

The Bootcut Jean
When Regina George ruled the school in 2004, the choice denim of her minions was a classic five-pocket bootcut. But thanks to The Strokes and the women who loved them, skinny jeans soon conquered the scene and the fashion world hasn't really looked back—until now. Hudson, Paige and even Burberry have bootcut jeans in their current collections, and they look great with almost everything. (Just remember Regina's golden rule: On Wednesdays, we wear pink.)

The Trucker Hat
Laguna Beach stopped airing new episodes in 2006, but its legacy is apparently alive and well, even if you don't read Lauren Conrad's adorable lifestyle blog. The proof? A sudden resurrection of the trucker hat, once worn with glee by Californicators, Brooklyn Hipsters, and Lindsay Lohan—way back when she was famous for being an actress. Somehow, the trucker hat appeared on last year's Marc by Marc Jacobs runway and now Roxy and ASOS have taken up the torch. Wear it while blasting your Phantom Planet CD at full volume…

Sick Girl Multi Colored Ombre Snapback Cap, $58.19; asos.com

Colored Mascara
Attention, rave babies: Colored mascara is back, but it's a bit more sophisticated than you remember. This time around, the chosen hues are plums and violets (not neon green—sorry!) and they're meant to bring out the natural flecks of green and gold that are already in your eyes. Try BeneFit Bad Gal Mascara in Plum (best for brown and green eyes) and Clarins Instant Definition Mascara in Intense Plum (best for blue and gray eyes).

Benefit BadGal Plum Mascara, $19; benefitcosmetics.com
Clarins Instant Definition Mascara, $24; clarinsusa.com

The Logo Sweatshirt
Back in the '80s, Benetton and Esprit sweatshirts were the playground equivalent of a Birkin bag. Now the label-emblazoned sweatshirt is back in the style spotlight thanks to street fashion icons like Susie Bubble, who wear their giant Kenzo knit tops with such frequency, they've even got their own Tumblr tag.

What I'm Wearing Wed: 35 Never Looked So Good!

{Top from Target, pants from Lerner, Seamless Bandeau Strapless Tube Top, Coach shoes, Fossil watch, earrings gifted}

 Good Morning Gorgeous. I haven't done a What I'm Wearing Wednesday post in a while and I thought since today I turn 35 I would share with you what I was wearing to celebrate my special day.

I didn't know how I would feel about reaching the half way point through my 30s, but honestly I'm so excited. I have accomplished a lot in my lifetime and I know, although I am not a kid, the adventure is just beginning.

Not to sound egotistical, but I think I look better at 35 than I did at 25. . .like a fine wine, getting better with age lol. In all seriousness though, I do. I think it is because at 35 I KNOW who I am. I'm comfortable with me and I simply embrace the woman I have become.

I look forward to all that 35 has to offer and believe me. . .35 has never looked this good!

OHHHH, I can't leave out that today is also my bday twin Hillary's special day (So what we are 10 years apart - she's still my twin and I love her to pieces!). Check her out over at Daisy to Sunflower and wish her a happy birthday as well!

Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Cookies

Hello Lovely.

Do you have a sweet tooth? I know I do!

I'm always looking for recipes that are quick, easy and totally scrumptious. This recipe is sure to fill any chocolate lovers appetite!

Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Butter
2 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Milk
4 Tbsp Cocoa
1/2 Cup Peanut Butter
3 1/2 Cup Quick cooking Oats
2 tsp. Vanilla

Directions:
Add the first 4 ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil, and boil for 1 minute. Stir in the next 3 ingredients and drop onto wax/foil paper. Let cool until set.

Friday Flashback

{Feeling particularly I Look Good Today. . .today.}


Hello Lovely.

My heart is heavy today. My mind is numb. This past Sunday I found out my best friend from high school was admitted into the hospital. Her left arm and face went numb and turns out there were blood clots on her brain. Since being in the hospital, she has had a second procedure to remove an additional clot from her brain and now doctors have found clots IN her brain.

I was at the hospital with her last night. I haven't seen this friend in 12 years, although we do keep in touch online. It broke my heart to see her laying there, and made me sit back and think how blessed I truly am and how we should never not take the opportunity to tell someone we love them or simply be the best version of us that we can be.

I'm sorry this isn't the most chipper Friday Flashback that you have ever read, but we are real here at I Look Good Today, and this has sadly been my week.

I'd like to ask for your well wishes, thoughts, prayers and good vibes from my wonderful I Look Good Today friends. I'm certainly praying for a miracle!



{A caramel scented candle that has my home smelling simply scrumptious!}



{Pre Bday haircut. Love having all my layers back!}

Healthy Hair Secrets

Good Morning Love!

I am always being asked my secret to getting such shine in my hair. I wish I had an easy answer to share with everyone, but I actually do nothing to get super shiny hair, strong, healthy hair. I got the good hair gene - thanks mom and dad! :)

I have read many articles over the years for secrets to keeping your hair healthy and ladies we are in luck. We simply have to look to our kitchen for the BEST conditioners to moisturize and revitalize our hair!

Below are four different masks for each type of hair that you can easily make in minutes using all-natural ingredients you probably have sitting in your refrigerator or cupboard right now!

DRY hair –Olive Oil and Egg

In need of some major TLC?? Combine three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with two eggs and apply the mixture to your hair and let the mixture sit for 20 minutes before rinsing in the shower.
The olive oil will help hydrate brittle locks, while the protein in the eggs will promote healthy hair growth.

ALL HAIR TYPES — Avocado and Honey

Mask a ripened avocado and mix in a tablespoon of organic honey and allow it to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off in the shower.

Avocados are rich in a variety of vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin E and protein, both of which your hair needs to remain soft and healthy. Meanwhile, honey is a natural antibacterial agent.

OILY hair — Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon

Combine 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with the grated peel of an entire lemon and allow it to set for 15 minutes to absorb the excess oil from your scalp, and then rinse in the shower.

Apple cider vinegar will remove build up from styling products and conditioners and strengthen the hair shaft, leaving you with soft, shiny strands. It will also balance hair’s pH level, kill bacteria, and is a cure for dandruff.

DRY, flaky scalp hair — Banana, Honey and Almond

Mash together 1/2 a ripe banana and add two tablespoons of honey and a few drops of almond oil and allow it to set with a shower cap on for 20 minutes before rinsing. Bananas can increase the moisture of your hair, smooth frizz and soothe your itchy scalp.

Choose the one that fits you best and bring your hair back to life!!

Emerald City

Hello Gorgeous!

Pantone announced back in December that the color of the year for 2013 would be emerald, and sure enough, emerald is everywhere now!

I was a bit ahead of the trend cuz I’m just that cool. Okay, so I am not cool, nor am I a predictor of trends. It was purely coincidental that I bought myself a gorgeous emerald top and matching accessories last summer. At any rate, I have enjoyed wearing them and I am looking to add more emerald to my wardrobe this year.

Let’s go window shopping, shall we!? Accessorize with Emerald

A super easy way to add a bold color to the wardrobe is with accessories. If you’re not sure you’re ready for emerald jeans or an emerald dress, how about a pair of emerald shoes or an emerald handbag? Or even just a pair of earrings and a bracelet? Add them to a neutral outfit and you’ve updated your look with very little investment.

See how these green wedges ramp up this neutral outfit.

{LOFT Floral Eyelet Cotton Shell, $44.50 | GUESS Round Plastic Sunglasses With Rhinestone Logo, $82 | BLANKNYC ‘Roll Up’ Jean Shorts, $68  | TOPSHOP Clip Front Crossbody Bag, $56  | Franco Sarto Sachet Wedge Sanadals, $99}

Or try an emerald scarf and another emerald accessory, such as a bracelet or watch.

{Trax Malibu Silver-Tone Crystal Watch, $40 at Kohl’s | Merona® Tassel Crinkle Scarf, $14.99 at Target | Mobilexpressions Polka Dot Case for iPhone 5, $30 at Target}

How to Wear Emerald Jeans

I love my emerald jeans! I typically pair them with neutrals although I do want to try branching out and trying some color blocking this year. I put this set together on Polyvore last year, and while most pieces are no longer available, it gives you some ideas. I like to wear black or gray with my emerald jeans in the wintertime, but in the summertime I found myself pairing them with navy and white.

How to Wear an Emerald Dress

My friend Sarah rocks the emerald like nobody’s business. It’s been her favorite color long before it was the Pantone Color of the Year. The key is to keep everything else neutral and allow the dress to be the star of the show.



{Trina Turk ‘Garden Maze’ Print Fit & Flare Dress, $348 | Gap Flutter Sleeve Dress, $54.95 + 30% off | LOFT Stripe Side Shirred Cap Sleeve Dress, $69.50}

And let’s not forget about emerald nail polish!

{via}

{via}

Have you jumped on the emerald green trend yet? How do you like to wear this fun, bold color!?

Life Has No Remote

Hello Gorgeous.

I have had many conversations with friends, family and coworkers about change, and how we have to be the facilitator of the change that happens in our lives.

I have met so many people in my life that complain, whine and gripe about their situation, yet do NOTHING to change it. Sound familiar to you too? Look, I have all the patience in the world to listen to someones issues, but when I see that there is no attempt (Even if that attempt doesn't work) to do something about it - my patience runs thin.

Have you ever heard the saying, "If nothing changes, nothing changes"?

When it comes to my own life, I think of having a remote in my hand - and I am the only one with access to all the channels! How important it is to recognize that one’s own life is not a spectator sport, and that if we want to change it, then it is up to each of us to realize that firstly change is possible and secondly that WE are responsible for making it happen. No one else can do it for us.

The beauty of this remote we are the keeper of is that we are able to select any program we want - we should have control over how we behave, over what we do and how we do it. But sometimes we continually select the wrong program don't we. I understand sometimes with the "programs" we are tuning in to they might not be what we actually want, but we need to "watch" it through its entirety. However, the trouble of course is we are selecting these unhelpful programs sometimes deliberately or even consciously and then sitting comatose on the couch with our Bon Bons completely glazed over with no intention, urge or plan to change to a better channel.

I've made it a point throughout my entire life to not wait for someone else to make my destiny happen. Why should I? Why should you? If I want something - if you want something - go for it now!

I have seen and heard so many people say,

"Why can't good things happen to me?"

"Why can't I catch a break?"

You can. . .and you will. I'm not saying making life's changes and achieving your dreams is going to be an easy task. Unfortunately reaching those goals means sometimes not being set to the comedy station of life. Sometimes you might need to tune in to a drama. . .even a suspense program once in a while to get to the program of your ultimate choosing.

I understand having a "go get 'em" mindset isn't always easy - and you better believe there are going to be bumps in the road, or "commercials" that will deter or pause you from your regularly schedule program of life. This is when more than EVER you need to be strong. You need to stay focused on your goal and have the determination that no matter what - no matter how hard - I will be successful. I will make the change to better my life.

It would be great if we could live in a fantasy world where wishes are granted like in the olden days of "I Dream of Jeanie", but sadly, our world is not fantasy. Your life is reality TV in its truest form.

Life has no remote. Get up and change it yourself.

Color Your World

We all need a little more color in our life. Let these vibrant neighborhoods around the world inspire you to paint your walls, ceilings, furniture (everything and anything!) with unique colors.

Would you want to live in such a vibrantly colored home? Do you know of any other brightly colored locals?



{Burano Island, Italy}



{Pattaya, Thailand}

 

{Wroclaw, Poland}



{Longyearbyen, Svallbard, Norway}



{San Francisco, California}




{Charleston, South Carolina}



Get A Grip

Good Morning Gorgeous. I'm really excited to share some products with you today.

I was recently contacted by GRIP™ Solutions - a line of unique non-slip products designed to help with a variety of activities of daily living. Whether you’re at home, at work, dining, shopping, at the gym or on the road, GRIP™ products give you an extra hand to help you stay independent.

I don't know about you, but gravity is often my worst enemy! Some days I swear there is a magnetic pull for everything to slip out of my hands or off of my lap. The thought of having products that are geared towards helping get a better grip on things, GRIP™ Solutions is the answer.

When my goodie bag arrived I couldn't wait to try everything out. Below you will see what was included.

{Two GRIP™ Boards in orange, GRIP™ Pads in yellow, GRIP Cup and Mug Holder, GRIP™ Wedges in back and and the GRIP™ Transfer Pad.}

I cannot tell you how amazing these products truly are! I won't lie, I was a bit skeptical about their promises to keep things in their place.

I put these pieces through their tests. I loaded up the GRIP™ Board and  Cup Holder and took them for a little spin. I know you might not be traveling through your kitchen with a set of wheels like I do, but I know that you will carry a lot from kitchen to dining room - am I right? Putting a plate and glass on my lap, with the help of my GRIP™ items everything stayed it its place. . .and I did my best to try to make it move!

I must say that my favorite item is the GRIP™ Wedge! It is PERFECT for sitting on the couch or laying in bed with you tablet or favorite book. If you are like me your cell phone is never out of reach and the Mini GRIP™ Wedge is perfect to keep those incidentals by your side.

I'm so excited to tell you that GRIP™  Solutions has agreed to give my readers a 15% “I Look Good Today” discount on all purchase made prior to July 4th, 2013. Additionally GRIP™  Solutions will donate 15% of gross sales made via the “I Look Good Today” discount to the Shriners Hospital for Children here in Tampa. To help yourself and the kids at the hospital, you can visit www.mygripsolutions.com to make your purchase. After filling your shopping cart you will see a box marked DISCOUNT CODE……..simply type in ilookgoodtoday, then click on APPLY COUPON and proceed to checkout. You can then sit back and wait for your “life-changing” products and feel good about helping the kids at the Shriners Hospital!!!
Thanks to GRIP™ Solutions for partnering with I Look Good Today and for helping this girl get a grip on things!

Friday Flashback



{Enjoying delicious Brownie Bites from TcP! Sweets. It was hard to choose a favorite.}

Hello Beautiful. Today I came into work and my co-worker says to me,

"Jamie your hair is looking exceptionally fabulous today."

Don't you just love getting those little pick me ups?

In other exciting news, I Look Good Today is being featured in a documentary being filmed for the Oprah Network and other major networks. More information to come on that. I have already filmed two segments and will film a third on Wednesday. So excited for this opportunity and that you all are a part of it!

I'm headed two hours south for the weekend. I have to work, but on my off time I will be visiting with family and friends as it is in the town where I grew up. So excited to see everyone!

How was your week? What big things happened for you?


{The Easter bunny brought me a basket with some sweet treats and makeup. . .gotta love that bunny!}



{My new rhinestone phone case - a girl has to have bling wherever she can get it!}

{Love my GRIP™ Wedge, perfect for keeping everything in it's place! Thank you GRIP™ Solutions for the awesome gift!}



Turn the Page

Don’t let anyone tell you that change and moving on to your next chapter is anything but challenging. Sometimes difficult. At a minimum emotional. Do not let anyone tell you that packing up your life as you have known it for many, many years is easy - whether it is an actual physical move or making a life change right where you are.

I have been through a lot in the past year and it has truly made me reflect on what I want in life. What and who are truly important to me - not just who and what I thought were. Isn't it amazing how you can go through periods of your life thinking you couldn't live if that person or that thing didn't exist to you? Then later on you look back and realize that the same person or thing was in fact what was clouding your vision from seeing your intended path.

Believe me, I know that going along with the statuesque is often times easier than turning that page in your book of life to begin the next chapter. Even if you are not happy, you "know" how to deal with what is on your plate because it is already there. Sometimes that unknown is scarier than what you are already going through, even if it isn't the most pleasant thing.

Here is what we need to remember - myself include. Plain and simple. . .if nothing changes. . .nothing changes. We each have to face our fears, our struggles, wants, desires, aspirations head on.

We can't always wait for "the right time", because we as humans, will always figure out a way to convince ourselves that "this" isn't the right time for "that"  - when really this IS the perfect time to at least start heading towards what you want.

We need to remember that we deserve greatness. We deserve to be happy. We deserve the opportunity to embrace all that this life has to offer and that greatness is within each of us.

I know what it feels like to feel depleted. To feel like you are at the end of your rope with no way to climb back up, but I can assure you - YOU CAN!

Taking things day by day. Baby step by baby step. The clouds do begin to part and the sun does shine through again.

There have been many challenges in my life, both physical and emotional and when I stop to look back at things now, I smile because at certain moments, I was at the end of my metaphorical rope. I was ready to jump off of that metaphorical bridge because I couldn't see my own resolve, but here I am. Stronger and better than ever.

It is a very emotional process. However, we must not forget to simply BREATHE and not be afraid to turn that page to our next chapter so we can encounter all the greatness that is yet to come.

A Pretty Pout

Good Morning Gorgeous. Your lips speak volumes. You use them to share your passion, whisper sweet nothings, tell someone you care, smile, shout and of course pout.

This weekend the Easter bunny surprised me with a basket full of sweet treats, but in the mix were also a few cosmetics (Gotta love a fashionable bunny!). One of the cosmetics in my basket was N.Y.C.'s Carnegie Hall lip gloss.

I have been leaning towards lip glosses lately rather than lipsticks, and absolutely fell in love with this shade. Carnegie Hall is a very creamy gloss that has a pretty purple hue to it. It goes on quite sheer giving just a subtle hint of color, which is really nice for spring.

This is how it looks on.

If you are looking for a gloss that will leave you with perfectly pouty lips, this is the color for you.