How to look good in hot and humid weather

I got a reader question from Catherine who is considering a move to sunny Florida from NYC. Her typical uniform consists of straight-leg jeans, Chucks or ballet flats, knit top, and a pashmina scarf. Half of her uniform is already unacceptable for Florida weather (the jeans and scarf) so she needs ideas on how to stay cute and cool in the Florida heat! I've only been to Florida like three times but I have been to the Philippines which is hot and humid too. Here are some things I've learned from my experience dealing with that kind of weather...

• Keep your hair away from your face.
• Shower (at least) 5 times a day.
• Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are muy importante.
• Wear breathable fabric like 100% cotton and no polyester or anything suffocating or materials that may stick to your skin when you sweat.
• Avoid layers.. (especially those layering tees!!) Simple is best! Think basic essentials:  shirt, bottoms, shoes. You'll be so hot you won't care about looking good. So make sure your BASICS look good!
• Open shoes. Sandals are a must! But please... No flip-flops. They're so gross.
• Try to avoid dark colors (because all that stuff you learned in science class in elementary school is f'real).

the maxi dress

I'll be honest.. If I went back to the Philippines, I would NOT wear a maxi dress. But if I had to go somewhere really quick and didn't have time to think about what to wear, I would throw on a maxi dress, a belt, sandals, and a hat. The reason I say no maxi dress is because the last thing I would want is my legs to be covered and suffocating under the dress. If you do, make sure it's flowy and made of lighter fabric.

the mom shorts

I wrote a post last year about how to look good in mom shorts. They're the other alternative to skirts for Mormon girls. Just because mom shorts have a bad rep doesn't mean we can't make them look good! My advice is to keep them a little baggy and wear them low. Think boyfriend jeans but for shorts. Avoid wearing sneakers or any shoes that cut off your ankles so it doesn't look like you have stumps for legs. The more skin showing past your feet, the longer your legs will look! So go for open sandals or flats instead of sneakers. Unless, of course, you have antelope legs...then go for it.

the flowy skirt

I LOVE flowy skirts! They create a great hourglass figure and you can twirl in them. Pick light skirts without a million layers underneath.

everything else i missed

What advice do you have for Catherine?

Happiness is...

...Crumbs cupcakes. (Sprinkles is overrated.) Can't you tell from the look on my face? I was so ECSTATIC you can see my blood vessels almost popping.

I'm wearing a secondhand blue scarf ($3), Gap dress-turned-top ($7), Forever 21 striped skirt ($7 - buy it!), and Fitzwell black flats that you can't see but I really am wearing here ($75 - buy it!).

...and this last pic is just for kicks and giggles. I <3 us. Are you kicking and giggling yet?

Hat to It!

I'm wearing a pink flower headband (giveaway win from Wanderlustings - buy it!) pinned to a Forever 21 straw hat ($4), Old Navy striped shirt ($12), vintage black belt ($5), Forever 21 black pleated skirt (gift), and Fitzwell black flats ($75 - buy it!) with a vintage Gucci bucket bag ($4).

Yes, I wore the hat again. Looks like my subconscious really wants to go to the beach.. Me too, SC. Me too.

I actually wore this outfit (minus the hat) when Chase and I went to the temple last weekend. I only wore it for like an hour so I had to wear it again because I looked so good in it.

My brother-in-law and his girlfriend are visiting us in L.A. Today while I was at work, they (including Chase) went to Roscoe's!!! And THEN they went to see Conan!! Yes, I cried at work... Now we're going to get some Korean BBQ. But now I'm too mad to go. HA! Whatever. I'm totally going..

Put a hat on it

I'm wearing a Forever 21 straw hat ($4), Love Stitch white blouse ($4), DownEast Basics shirt (gift - buy it!), tan belt ($5), Forever 21 maxi dress-turned-maxi skirt ($5), and Forever 21 sequin flats ($5) with a vintage Gucci bucket bag ($3).

I actually didn't wear this hat today. If I were going to the beach or anywhere but work I would wear it. At least, that's where my heart was. So my hat came with me.

Also, that bulge isn't my tummy or anything (like a baby). It's my shirt being dumb.

Mineral Makeup Review

Fresh Faces sent me some of their products to review. I've tried mineral makeup years ago and didn't like it. It didn't give me as much coverage as I wanted and by the end of the day the makeup had come off my face. So I was a little skeptical about Fresh Faces at first but was willing to give it a shot. In this post, I'll be reviewing the following products:

(from L-R:  primer, concealer, foundation, bronzer, glow finish)

Before you read this review, know that this is MY opinion for this makeup on MY sensitive, acne-prone, combination oily-dry face. The products I love may not work out for you. The products I don't like may work out for you. So please don't base your opinions or potential purchases on my review without testing it out yourself first! That's what samples are for!

For this review, I only used Fresh Faces mineral makeup on my face. After I washed my face and did all that stuff, I first put on the primer. Then I used the concealer to cover all my pimples. It usually takes me a few hours.

Then using their buffer brush, I put on the matte foundation all over my face.

I used the concealer again to touch up on the stubbornly red pimps and swept the bronzer around my face.

With a little bit of the glow finish, this was as good as it was gonna get. I think I used too much of the concealer or something because you could see the yellow spots on my face where I used it trying to cover my pimples. No matter how hard I buffered or tried to brush it off, it didn't come off. The mineral makeup also left my face feeling dry throughout the day.

Bad picture... I know.

This is my face with just liquid foundation. I always end up getting makeup creases on my face at the end of the day. It also always feel like it's caked on...because I'm trying to cover my pimples.

Another bad picture. Not sure why it has a red tint to it?

My thoughts

After these two "experiments", on the third day I used a combination of both mineral and liquid makeup. I first used the foundation to cover my pimples. Then I used my liquid foundation. For the pimples you could still see, I used the concealer very lightly. I followed with the glow finish and then the bronzer. I LOVE this method. It doesn't dry out my face and I don't see the yellow concealer spots anymore. It doesn't cover every blemish but this has proven to be my most effective way to cover my pimples so far. Seriously, this makeup method makes me so happy in the mornings now.

Update 5/25/11:  This morning I did something different.. I still wasn't 100% satisfied with my method explained above. But now I really feel like I've perfected my mineral makeup and liquid makeup routine!! Now read carefully... (1) Using liquid foundation, I covered my pimples. Not too much. Just enough so they weren't as red. (2) I then used the liquid foundation all over my face for coverage. (3) Using the buffer brush, I put on the mineral foundation all over my face for double coverage and for setting it in. By then, you can't really see the pimples. (4) I covered up the remaining pimples with the concealer. (5) Bronzer. (6) Finished off with the glow finish very lightly. DONE! Try it out and let me know what you think.

• primed for perfection, $15.50
  I didn't like that it was in a jar-like container. I've read that you should avoid jars and any open containers because it can easily get contaminated.
  Overall rating: C B
• light neutral concealer, $10.50
  Besides the yellow spots when I first put it on, it works best AFTER you put on your foundation and then use it lightly. It is more of a touch-up concealer than an actual concealer.
  Overall rating: B
• warm light matte foundation, $19.50
  LOVE this foundation. I used it a week before I received the other products and loved it then. I used it as a concealer with my liquid makeup and it worked very well. I am very happy with this mineral foundation. Will be using it as a concealer from now on.
  Overall rating: A
• summer tan bronzer, $12
  Another product I absolutely loved. I got the light bronzer and it is perfect. No matter how much product you accidentally get on your brush, it will still give you a light warm glow on your face without overdoing it.
  Overall rating: A
• glow finish, $15.50
  It has a little bit of shimmer to it. I put it on after my foundation and I'm not sure if it makes my face look lighter than it really is. Not a fan of shimmer but this is very subtle.
  Overall rating: C
• deluxe buffer foundation brush, $18
  It started shedding from the first time I used it. It isn't very soft because it is flat-bottomed and there are a lot of bristles.
  Overall rating: D C

Psst... Use the code CLOTHEDMUCH20 at checkout to get 20% off. It expires June 30. Plus, you get free shipping over $50!


Update with FF:  After I posted this review, FF contacted me in response. Here is what they had to say...

• The primer is mineral based and thus unable to harbor germs. Unlike creams and lotions which can harbor germs, the primer is safe to use in a jar. L'Oreal packages their primer the same way.
• As far as the brush, it is normal to have some shedding for the first few weeks of use. It is a new brush and has a lot of hairs, so it is impossible for all of them to stay, but it should stop shedding after a few weeks.
• I have also thought my concealer was too light, and will be looking at changing the color on that. I am also going to be changing the glow finish to be less whitening.
• If the matte formula was too drying for you, the sheer formula is less drying.

I didn't have to post this update and their response but I felt compelled to because of their willingness to improve their products and to address my concerns. It showed me that FF really does care about their products and their customers and thought I'd share that with you guys too.

A Hairdicament

I'm wearing a Target green tunic ($16 - buy it!), reworked JCPenney pink necklace (free with gift cards), Forever 21 black skirt ($6), and thrifted Nine West black heels ($3).

Can I just start out by saying how much I love this tunic shirt thing? K, now I can start...

I think I'm wearing this braided updo a little too much... But it's so easy! ...and I forgot how to do a crownbraid!!!!!! :(:(:(:(:( Quick! Someone study my tutorial and teach me! My ego needs it!!

How to style a maxi skirt in two ways

Audrey emailed me a million years ago about this Old Navy jersey maxi skirt and I'm just finally getting around to it. (Sorry, Audrey!) She is 14 years-old and needs help with ideas on how to wear it on a daily basis and to church while still keeping it appropriate for her age. If you are 14 and own a maxi skirt, you're already cooler than me.


For your everyday activities, I immediately saw stripes, white tennis shoes, and a linen backpack for a comfy, casual look!

For church I was thinking a classy, bohemian look with a loose flowy top, sparkly sandals or flats, and a fun scarf.

What tips do you have for Audrey for styling this maxi skirt?

Copy that Maxi, Cat

I'm wearing an Old Navy striped shirt ($4), Forever 21 gemstone necklace ($6 - buy similar!), thrifted brown belt ($2), Forever 21 maxi-dress-now-maxi skirt ($5), and Target clog sandals (gift from my in-laws) with a vintage Gucci bucket bag ($3).

My interpretation of this pin.

I'll tell you my secret...
gray maxi skirt + loose striped shirt + long pendant necklace + brown belt + one foot peeking out = perfect Madewell maxi skirt copycat outfit

..but I'd still rather wear hers! ..especially with that gorgeous Belladona skirt!

Utility, meet Flower.

I'm wearing a pink flower headband (giveaway win from Wanderlustings) pinned to a thrifted AE navy jacket ($6), J.Crew Factory white shirt (gift from my mom), Gap Outlet boyfriend jeans ($26), and JCPenney berry heels (free with gift cards) with a vintage Gucci bucket bag ($3).

I thrifted this jacket last weekend in Sac-town and I think I love it. It's a bit small and there is a waist-tie thing on the inside but it's right under my boobs, which is not where my waist is so I have to make sure I don't tighten it unless I never want to breathe. But then again if I don't tighten it, it makes me look boxy and shapeless like in the second picture. Decisions, decisions. It is things like this that make me realize how unfair life can be.

I may or may not have copied Liz's outfit. You can decide. (I did.)

K, The Office is on.. And Rosie is sleeping on the couch and I have to wake her up so we can cuddle. Seeyaaaaaaaa.

Rain boots are for playing in.

Isn't that first pic awesome? It took us like 100 takes. Kidding. It was 90. I also had a chipmunk face so I had to crop that out. It was almost embarrassing.

These are the rain boots I was talking about in this post. I'm sure some of you forgot but that's okay...that's why I'm here...to remind you of the menial trivialities of my life.

This was just a nice, comfy outfit for a rainy day that I only experienced for five minutes so I guess I really didn't need my boots but I wore them anyway.

I'm wearing a Forever 21 gray sweater cardigan (gift from my Valentine), Old Navy red striped shirt ($4), Forever 21 gemstone necklace ($6 - buy similar!), J Brand black jeans ($158 - buy it!), and thrifted black boots ($10).

Pretending to be photographers...and new clothes!!

If you didn't know already, Chase and I went to Sacramento for the weekend for his sister's wedding. We played photographers and took their wedding pictures...actually, Chase took their pictures and I bossed my SIL and her new husband around. I loved it.

Me and Chaserbug

Me being a bossypants

The end result

Notice anything new and different? I'M WEARING ALL NEW CLOTHES!!!! This has never happened on Clothed Much before either. I just went shopping-crazy over the weekend. Chase didn't know who I was. Neither did I. It was fun for a little.

1. thrifted Express white blazer, $3 -- Got it for 50% off! It fits sooo perfect!!!! I threw it in the washer to get the thrift store smell out and it came out all squished and crinkly :(. I read the inside tag and it said DRY CLEAN ONLY. Then I cried :''''(. Then Chase ironed it out and it looks as good as new!! I love irons!! and Chase!!
2. JCPenney gold beaded necklace, FREE -- Yes, I still have a little bit of moneys left on my gift card. My niece said it looked like a Nerds candy rope. So I bought it.
3. MNG by Mango sunnies were also bought with the gift card. I already had these from before. You can buy them here.
4. green tunic thing from Target, $16 -- It was for my leggings. (See this post.) You can buy it here.
5. Target black leggings, $20 -- It was for my tunic. (See this post.) You can buy them here.
6. Fitzwell black flats, $75 -- My H&M flats were getting stinky and uncomfortable. They were only subs until I found some durable, comfy, wide ones. So far Chase doesn't think they're worth $75. Whatever, guy. You can buy these here.

IT'S GREEN

Right?

OMG! Get it? I'm so funny.

I'm wearing an Anthropologie shirt ($11 - buy it!), reworked JCPenney necklace (free with gift cards), secondhand Gap jeans ($9), and Seychelles mary-janes ($15) with a vintage Gucci bag ($3).

New (Mom) Wardrobe Essentials

Michelle emailed me months ago about what essentials to get now that her body is back to normal after having four kids (Wowza!). None of her clothes fit/work for her anymore so she has to start from scratch. Her budget? $600. She is already set in the shoes department and was wondering what items she should focus her attention on.

For a young mom with kids, comfort is very important. You're probably thinking, "She wouldn't know. She doesn't even have kids!" But I know...that I love to be comfortable. Pain doesn't have to mean beauty. Sometimes it does but it doesn't have to be all the time.

Here are my top picks on items you should focus on NOW..

1. the white button-up

With kids, it might be hard to keep this white but it is so easy and such a classic. Plus, there are so many variations of this you can get creative with it! Get the classic button-down in a couple sizes bigger so you can wear it loosely and comfortably. I also advise getting it in a fitted size for the mature/professional audience.

2 and 3. stretchy skinny jeans/thick leggings/jeggings and tunics

Okay, before you start getting all judgmental on me, listen up! I hate leggings as pants just like the five of you out there. BUT I think we can all agree they are too comfortable to ignore. The best way to wear leggings without embarrassing yourself is to make sure you cover your butt. The answer? Tunics. Wear them with boots so you can further hide the fact that you're wearing leggings.

4. t-shirts (crewneck, v-neck, whatever!)

T-shirts are the definition of comfort!!! ..at least they are for me. I love them in different fits and styles. To offset their casualness, you can pair them with feminine items such as floral skirts or fancy(ish) jewelry.

5. full skirts

I LOVE full skirts. I have bigger hips and thighs (in my opinion) so full skirts are the best way to hide them for me! Plus, I love that I can MOVE in them....not like pencil skirts. Great for chasing kids, right? And they're so much fun to twirl and spin in. A++ in my book!

6. a hot pair of jeans

Everyone's bodies are different. Skinny jeans could look good on you but not on me (so true). But there is always that one style that looks BOMB on you. Find that bomb pair and wear it for the rest of your life!! I picked out my faves:  wide leg, boyfriend, and skinny.

7. a great coat

If you live where it can get a little (or a lot) chilly, I suggest purchasing a good coat. It's going to be one of the first things people see on you and you don't want to be wearing something that doesn't flatter your figure at all. Or if you do, that's cool, whatever. But be sure to get them now while they're on super sale!!!

8. fun, colorful blouse

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know I love my neutrals and simple tops. But it also makes getting dressed not as fun since I lack color in my closet and life. Tear. So I suggest getting one or two FUN and COLORFUL blouses that you can wear when you're feeling especially spunky that day. And I say splurge on this item as well because blouses can last a long time if you take good care of it and it is GOOD quality!

9. statement necklaces and earrings

I'm not a huge jewelry person. I love to adorn myself with one or two statement pieces and try to avoid layering and piling on jewelry. I'm assuming most moms are the same? Looks like I'm already prepared then. Psh. Kids should be easy.

10. _____________________________?

What do you think her 10th must-buy item should be?

Repeat Outfitter

You guys... I did a horrible fashion-blog thing... I repeated an outfit...like everything is exactly the same. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED IN THE HISTORY OF CLOTHED MUCH.  I am slightly ashamed...that I LOVE MY OUTFIT THAT MUCH. Even before I took pics of my outfits and posted them online for the whole world to see, I always tried to come up with "new" outfits like switching shoes or adding a belt. But once in a while, there is that one outfit you absolutely love and you HAVE to wear it again or you'll die. This was that outfit. It's nothing special but it combines all of my favorite elements into one.

Over-dramatic, much? YES. WHY NOT????

You still have a few days left to win one of six Pinterest invites! ...because it's an oh-so-secret club. And I'm the only one who can let you in.

I'm wearing a yellow scarf as a headwrap (gift from Melissa), thrifted boy's black blazer ($3), Hanes white shirt ($9 for a pack of 8 - buy it!), J Brand black jeans ($158 - buy it!), and H&M black flats with a vintage Gucci bucket bag ($3).

I know you guys have that one special outfit you love so much that you've worn more than once on and/or off your blog. If you do link up to here! No button! And this will probably be the only time! YEAH!

Pink My Brain

I'm wearing some more purchases from over the weekend...this polka-dot cardigan from Old Navy and a pink scarf from 'Penney's. I also got another one in hot pink. That's right... HOT pink.

By the time you read this, I'll hopefully be on the road to Sac-town for my sister-in-law's wedding this weekend. We're sooooooper excited because she is getting married in the temple!!!! We're also soooper sad because that means RosiePosie is going to be home alone :(:(:(.. We'll have to catnip the whole place.

I'm wearing a JCPenney pink scarf (free with gift cards - buy it!), Old Navy polkadot cardigan ($17), navy skirt from Korea ($10), and H&M black flats ($13) with a vintage Gucci bucket bag ($3).

Love, Sund(a)y

I really liked this outfit I wore to church on Sunday. I feel like I don't usually say that on my blog because it makes me sound even more vain than I appear to be but I am...and did.

I just bought this GREEN shirt this weekend at Anthropologie. Chase thought it looked more mustard yellow. I see green. What do you see? (You better say green...) I still had $10 left on my gift card from my giveaway earnings so this shirt only cost me $11! I love my cheap self.

I am iffy on these shoes. They are up for sale here for $20 but they just went so well with my outfit I'm wondering if I should keep them instead... I'll leave them up just in case someone is dying to buy some strappy wedges for another week or so! So grab them before I change my mind!

If you still don't have a Pinterest account yet, enter to win one out of six here!

I'm wearing an Anthropologie green shirt ($11 - buy it!), vintage red skirt ($6), chunky pearly bracelet (giveaway win from Emily), skinny pearly bracelet ($4), and Old Navy tan strappy wedges (buy it!).

The Week...ends

Wore this over the weekend to run some errands and go shopping. I just bought this shirt from Old Navy for $4!!! I hate Old Navy and its quality but I can't say no to their cheap prices. I'm figuring this will last me a week or so. I'm not complaining...yet.

I tried out a new 'do by Joanna:  the braided top bun. Super easy. Super cute. My hair is layered so there were a lot of hairs sticking out. You can kind of see them in the light. I liked it a little messy!

Don't forget.. You still have a chance to win an account to Pinterest!

I'm wearing H&M sunnies ($1), Old Navy red striped shirt ($4 - buy it!), Spanish gold necklace ($30), secondhand BDG blue skinny jeans ($17), and H&M black flats ($13) with a thrifted black bag ($4).

Some blue on blue action

Denim on denim is still big. It used to be a fashion don't but now it's a fashion must. And I've already jumped on that bandwagon before. (Meaning "I was already cool.") I remember seeing Sydney wear a chambray shirt with flared jeans and I thought, "I can so recreate this." And I did. I don't know why I never thought of pairing my ONLY chambray shirt to my OTHER pair of blue jeans. Way to think outside of the blue jean box, Me...

If you're still waiting for that Pinterest invite, don't fret.. Enter to win an invite here.

I'm wearing a thrifted Gap chambray shirt ($4), Old Navy brown belt ($10 - buy it!), secondhand Gap flared jeans ($9), Spanish gold necklace ($30), and Target clog sandals (gift from my in-laws) with a vintage Gucci bucket bag ($3).

Blueck

Wore this to work on Thursday. Not a big fan.. I need to say goodbye to skinny jeans. My sausage thighs can't take it anymore!

I'm really behind on posting which means only one thing - I've been watching too many reruns of Rocko's Modern Life on Netflix.

If you're not on Pinterest yet, win an invite for an account here!

I'm wearing a Gap dress-turned-top ($8), handmade bib necklace (giveaway win from blogger friend), J Brand black skinny jeans ($158 - buy it!), and H&M black flats ($13) with a vintage Gucci bucket bag ($3).

Win an invite to Pinterest! (CLOSED)

Just 'Lax

Whenever in doubt, wear black with a pop of color. Works 97% of the time, every time.

This belt is another gem find from the same thriftastic weekend I got this skirt and this belt with my friend. I love it. The gold chain is so sick!!!!!!!! (Did I sound cool there? ..because I was trying.)

P.S. That stinkeye is for all the people who thought that I was pregnant. I'm not. I just have very lax stomach muscles..... like very.. I hate doing ab workouts, okay?!?

I'm wearing a Gap dress-turned-top ($7), vintage black belt ($5), Forever 21 black skirt ($6), H&M white scarf (gift from a friend), and H&M black flats ($13) with a vintage Gucci bucket bag ($3).