Graceful Lady

I feel very blessed lately - first to have discovered by best colour palette (True Autumn) and most recently, to discover my 'style type' as a Soft Classic.  This whole journey of discovering my best self has opened my eyes and made me become aware of my best self.  The media creates this image of whats 'in' and many of us follow that advice blindly, accepting each new trend as it comes along, but never stoping to ask: 'Is this me?', Do I like this?  Does this style suit me?  Does this make me look my 'best'???  Every woman should be able to answer 'Yes' to each of these questions.  I have 'always' been drawn to a more classic style, but found that some classic styles are slightly too heavy.  The Soft Classic is a perfect fit for me.  It has that delicate flair that I admire within the classic domain.  I've been studying my Soft Classic style and decided to find some photos so that I could have a visual of what kind of style Soft Classic really is:

I think this is a perfect example of what style a soft classic should look for.  According to Kibbie, SC's should look for a rounded neckline, definition in the waist and skirts/dressed that are tappered at the hempline, but not too clingly or tight.  I can just invision this dress in an elegant chocolate brown colour, gold-ball stud eatings, a belt to emphasise the waistline even more and a pair of beautiful heels with an open toe!  My vision spells grace and sophistication for Soft Classic's!!!

Soft Classics apparently really shine when they wear a 'jeweled neckline' (pictured above).  The delicate flower detail is what Soft Classic is all about - adding that 'romantic' touch.  I don't personally own too many jewel neck tops, but its something I'm going to be more 'aware' of the next time I go shopping!

This dress is what Soft Classic is all about - the bow detail is both elegant, adding just enough detail without being 'too much'.  I find this look very sophisticated and I could honestly see myself wearing this to an event.  I like how the skirt is slightly flaired (a SC feature), but not overdone.  It still creates a stunning silouhette and outlines the body perfectly!

Aside from the slightly overdone jewelery (its too dramatic for my taste), the clothes in this photo are a perfect representation of what a Soft CLassic would wear as an everyday look.  I absolutely love the romantic detail on the collar and the button detail on the sleeve.  The fact that the sleeves are tappered is an indication that this blazer/jacket is ideal for Soft Classics.  Even the models long, soft, delicate waves are a perfect SC hair style - this truely is an elegant look!

Looking back at all the styles that have inspired me: European-Chic, Classic-Preppy, Feminine, City Chic and Nautical - I can really see that my own inner voice has always been attracted to that classic look with a polished, feminine and romantic flair.  I think that putting Kibbie aside, style should make you feel like 'you'.  I think every woman should dress in such a way that she feels great on the inside and looks great on the outside.   The one thing I really like about Kibbie's approach is that each style is a guidline, not word for word 'truth' that one must abide by.  Just like finding out your best colours and using them to enhance your best self - you can do the same by finding your best style.  Style is very different from fashion and trends.  Style is an expression of who you really are to the outside world.  Its a way to show the world a little bit about yourself and having fun in the process!!!

Meryl Streep - a 'Soft Classic'

Someone on my FB page brought to my attention that my 'soft classic' features matched those of Meryl Street in her younger years.  I decided to try yet another 'experiment' to see just how close the similarities are.  Once again, I'm not looking to see if we look 'alike', but rather, is there some kind of similarity to her facial features in comparison to mine.  Check it out:

Comparison #2:

Comparison #3

I think this comparison is very interesting - I definitely see the soft classic connection now.  I guess step 2 is to start looking in the Soft Classic style in more depth and finding a way to make it my own!!!

Kibbe's prime Soft Classic Celebrity- Olivia de Havilland

This post is part 2 of my Kibbie 'Soft Classic' experiment.  I decided to compare some more photos between myself and Olivia de Havilland - not to see if we look alike in any-way, but more to confirm is the delicate and soft features are similar between her and I.  She is considered the 'Prime Soft Classic Celebrity':

Here is the second set of photos for comparison:

Some more photo comparisons:

And the final comparison:

This post was a lot of fun and I'm curious to see if there really is something to our delicate features being alike!!!  I definitely see a lot of similarities!!!

Kibbie - Soft Classic???

I wanted to try a bit of an experiement.  After a lot of discussions with some very helpful friends on FB, I'm actually leaning towards Soft Classic as a perfect style type for me.  I decided to do a little comparison between a few of my photos and the Soft Classic celebrity collages from the Yuku website to see how well I 'fit'.  I've realized that this has been a fun style adventure and its great to have a style guidline, but its more important to be true to yourself - this is just a fun experiement:

I have always had delicate, soft features and like the euro-classic look when it comes to clothes.  Soft Classic seems to fit very well - I'd love to hear your opinions!!!

Warm Olive Green Eyes

Lately, I've been looking for eyeshadow and liners that are true to the Autumn palette.  Brown is a staple for Autumns and I love the warm brown and chocolate shades, but I also want some alternative shades for those days that I want to do something 'different'.  I decided to try some warm olive green shade.  Pictured above is Make Up for Ever #47 eyeshadow - it was a colour that was screaming 'buy me' when I saw it - and of course, I listened!!!

I decided to create a look based on this warm olive, almost khaki shade.  I use #47 from my lid to the crease and then used MAC's Uniform eyeliner on the top and bottom lashline.  I then used Stila's 'Flash' liquid liner and smudged it into the upper lash line:

To finish off the warm olive look, I decided to balance out the rest of the makeup with soft copper tones.  I used Make Up For Ever #48 blush (a rust-orange shade) and Strength lipstick by MAC.

I really like the olive tones as an alternative.  I was worried at first that it was too close to my eye-colour and would look muddy and dull, but I actually really like the effect of the olive shades!!!

'Pretty Your World' Makeup Line: Blush Review

For those of who follow Lora Alexande'rs website and blog 'Pretty Your World' (http://www.prettyyourworld.com/), you will be aware that Lora just came up with her own Make-up line.  So far, I've had the opportunity to order some blushes and there is only one word that describes the quality of her products 'Amazing'!  The blushes feel so soft against the skin, they actually remind me more of a mineralized type makeup.  The quality actually 'exceeds' MAC's blushes!  I love the fact that you can shop by your 'season' which is very helpful if you already know your palette and what looks the best on you.  However, you can search the makeup line and order whatever your heart desires, as each shade comes with a description of the colour and so far, the descriptions have been 'right on the money'.  I really dislike when you read a description like 'sheer pink' and the colour actually ends up looking like a un-flattering mauve (trust me, its happened)!  Lora's colour desciptions are true to what the colour actually is.  Also, I love the fact that she has a 'neutral blush' and 'neutral lipstick' section, where you can purchase shades that are natural enough colour wise to suit almost anyone. 

I wanted to share some photos of the blushes I ordered:

The packaging is really great for the blushes - its actually a 'twist off' cap, but its well-made.  Its not one of those twist off caps where you spend 10 minutes trying to put the cap back on.  The colours pictures here (from left to right: Goldfish, Hot and Spicy, Buddah).  There are my 3 favourite from the 4 that I ordered.  I also ordered a shade called 'orgasmic' which is a lighter peachy-pink shade.

Here is a photo of the same three blushes pictured without the cap.  Goldfish is one of my all time favourites - its the perfect warm 'spicy' peach shade.  It really compliments the makeup I've been wearing very nicely.  I also use it as a pop of colour over darker russett and terracotta shades.  Hot and Spicy is the most recent colour that I got and I absolutely 'Love' it - its very much a deeper, spicy ginger/terracotta type shade.  I think its the perfect layering colour and I really like to blot this shade over 'Photo' lipstick - it creates the perfect 'spicy brown' shade.  Finally, Buddha - first of all, I love the 'name' - I actually like to wear this shade when I go for my yoga classes (LOL) - Its quite neutral in colour when compared to the warmth of goldfish and hot and spicy and I like to wear it when I'm creating a more natural look.

A close up of my two favourite shades - 'Goldfish' and 'Hot and Spicy'

I decided to create a look using these two blushes.  I layered 'Hot and Spicy' with 'Goldfish' which I used as a 'pop of colour'.  I then blotted the 'Hot and Spicy' shade over Photo lipstick by MAC.  For my eyes I used NARS 'silent night' as a base, MAC's Romp eyeshadow from lid to crease and Amber lights on the lid.  I lined my eyes with Teddy liner and used Romp on an angled brush to smudged into the upper lashline:

I look forward to ordering more of Lora's products.  I think I will try some of the lipsticks and I already have my eye on two eyeshadows in particular.  I will definitely do reviews of those in the future once I order them.  I honestly have to say that after trying Lora's blushes, I'm 'hooked' - I will continue to order them and I highly, highly recommend that you try it for yourself - You will not be dissapointed in the quality of her products!!!

Autumn Inspiration

Autumn has always held a special place in my heart.  I've always felt such an 'awe' and presence in the universe during this season.  I love everything from fall's comforting food, to the changing colours of the leaves, to the cool-crisp air.  Finding out that I'm a True Autumn colour type was kind of like the icing on the cake, because 'everything' about this season resonates with me so much.  However, one of the absolute BEST things about Autumn, is the shopping.  I love the clothes and colours in the stores.  Here are just a few 'Autumn Inspirations':

Autumn is one of my favourite times to buy new purses, shoes/boots and scarves.  I particularily like this dark-honey coloured purse, because its such a great neutral with the 'autumn' wardrobe and with the right clothes and accessories, you can also carry it into the spring/summer months.

I absolutely LOVE this mustard coloured pashmina - this is an accesory that will definitely became a staple in any 'true autumns' wardrobe.  However, its you're one of the cooler season, look for a similar look in a powder blue (for summers), royal blue (for winters) or even a warmer bright coral shade (for springs).  A pashmina like this is a great investment!!!

The Autumn months are a perfect time to take out your amber jewellery.  Amber actually has great healing properties if you wear it against your bare skin (so look for a necklace, bracelet or ring with pure amber without the gold backing).  Amber is said to soak up all your negative energy and help you find your true life's purpose.  I also like green amber - especially when it has a true olive tone to it - its simply stunning!!!

In the fall, we put away the light summer sweaters and invest in a great new fall jacket.  I particularily like the chocolate brown shade of this semi-trench inspired jacket.  I think in the fall, its still about having that 'pop'
 of colour but in a 'richer' tone!

Ahh - cozy, comforting foods!!!  I love the rich, decadent roasts that we all crave once that cold-crisp air hits.  Or the decadent soups (butternut squash is one of my faves - pumpkin-ginger is a close second) - Stews are also an autumn classic.  AND who can forget Thanksgiving???  Roast Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie - Mmmmmm

After a big autumn inspired meal, nothing is better than a walk in a nice pair of knee-high boots.  I love that switch from pumps to boots - all of a sudden I feel taller, sexier, I take out my dresses and wear my pencil skirts with pride!!!

You simply can't have 'Autumn' without Apple Fritters or Apple Crisp - the two go hand in hand.  In Ontario there is a great little place near Kitchener, Ontario called 'St. Jacobs Market' - They sell the most incredible fresh, made on the spot 'apple fritters.  They are out of this world 'amazing'!!!

Finally, its not Autumn until you put away your t-shirt pajama and put on a cozy flannel or silk pair of p.j.'s.  Nothing says comfort like sittining in your p.j.'s with a warm cup of tea, reading a great book!


There is so much inspiration to be found in Autumn - everything from shopping to clothes to eating comfy foods to embracing everything that is the essence of warmth and comfort!!!