Category Archives: Style and Fashion Blogs

Getting back to my roots

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Let’s talk about the really big news around here.  My hair.

After 20 years of dying my hair blonde.  I have gone back to my roots. Well, with a few highlights as well.  I’ve been thinking about this for a long time.

I'm naturally blonde and I have a cake!

Hear is my Hair Story:  Like many of us I was a blonde little child.  Golden locks, wispy buttery strands that flew through the rich Culver City air.  I stood out in my clan as they were all brown haired, brown eyed people.

Make Blonde not war

Then in adolescents.. I started to change.  The hair became darker, so I sprayed on Sun In.  But, that left it kind of orangy.  By High School I was done trying.  It was all brown.  My super thick hair a blunt cut that sat on my head like a helmet.  So, I cut it SHORT.  Very Molly Ringwald 1980′s. Daphne Brogdon 1980′s.

Molly, not me, but very close

I went to college and let it go where it would.  I was thinking about saving the world and listening to Grateful Dead, wearing huarache sandals so I didn’t realize that I had developed (gulp)

A MULLET

It was even kind of blue for awhile and then red, due to some temporary dye that wasn’t.  But, hey college is a time of experimentation, right?

"Does that girl have a mullet?"

I went home one summer before my junior year and walked into my friend Carolyn’s hair salon.  ”OMG ” she screamed,  ” You look like someone from Sonoma County.”  This was before Sonoma county had great wine and cheese, but was hick central.  I finally came to.

“HELP ME”  She chopped the party in the back off.  Several weeks later she put in highlights.  Then I was on the road to blonde.  It felt like I was back to me.  The golden child.

Now, blondes do turn heads.  But, not so much when they are in sweat pants pushing a stroller.  I like my blonde when I’m all done up or on TV.

If only I always looked like this. But then I'd be on Real Housewives of Culver City

But, that’s not what most of my life is like.  I still want to be pretty.  I have not “given up”.  But, I don’t want to chase a look right now either. It’s also a lot of maintenance and money. I tell Vivien as I gaze at her naturally perfect highlighted hair, don’t chase the blonde Viv.  When you are older, go gently into the sweet night of brown. I don’t want her to spend time on that when she will be in a great scientist discovering a cure for cancer.  She has better things to do.

So, I’ve gone brown.  I’ve gone bangs.  Michele Obama said her bangs were her mid life crisis.  I feel kind of the same way. Although, I would prefer Channing Tatum or Bradley Cooper to also be part of this crisis.“Daph, we like brunettes. Brown brings out the blue eyes”

This is going to sound really goofy, but going darker is one of the bravest things I’ve done in a while.  My friends really see it.  Most like it, a few say they prefer the blonde.  Talking about hair sounds trite, yet it is a part of our identity.

I’ll probably go blonde again.  I always pictured myself a little old lady in a golf dress  with over tan skin in Palm Springs, short blonde hair dropping coins for the lifeguard to pick up for me

I would love to look like Cloris when I'm her age

We’ll see.

 

We are making changes

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We are moving in a different direction.
It’s not you; it’s our corporate restructuring.
The many things you are told when you are no longer wanted at a job.
I just got a very nice boot from Star Magazine. For over 5 years I wrote jokes for the their worst of the week feature.
I really don’t mind.
The managing editor wrote me himself, which was classy not leaving it to a flunky. Frankly I don’t blame them. I was having a hard time getting it up for it. How many times can one write a funny line about a disheveled Helena Bonham Carter?
( “ The char woman wants her look back.” )
worst
At some point we just need to accept she has had children with Tim Burton that’s her look! Like we finally got it with Diane Keaton. The lady likes blazers and hats.
How many times can you make a joke about a wanna be starlet, who I have never heard of, but shows up on the red carpet in a too tight cheetah pattern? ( “Don’t call the wild, they’ll call you!”)
I was first asked to be on the panel when I hosted TV Guide’s “The Fashion Team”. Last year it was cancelled and I thought, “I wonder when Star will cut me loose?” I didn’t tell them my show went the way of the dodo bird. I had Coolmom.com in as part of my credit and had hoped that would drive traffic to my site. But, actually it didn’t. I was usually rushing to do the jokes on a Tuesday night while making dinner. Or I would be dropping off Vivien at school on Wednesday and get an email from the editor, “are you sending the jokes?” Crap, I would race home to make the deadline.
One thing that bothered me was the candid shots of celebs on the street.
Look Bai- Ling and Phoebe what’s her name want to be photographed. The ones that dress up in kooky or sexy outfits on the red carpet are fair game. But, Hillary Duffy going to get a Starbucks in sweats, Rumer Willis shopping in shorts and no make up? They are just leading their lives and I look like a hot mess when I go run errands. So, those always made me feel ethically uneasy.

Also, sometimes the editors got it dead wrong. I would get a picture of a celeb in a fashionable outfit and I would write back, “Good look, no joke here.” Fashion can takes chances and still be in good taste. They don’t have to look like Rihanna.

Just in case anyone is planning on hitting the red carpet and doesn’t want to the Worst of the Week here are a few tips.
- No animal prints
- No shiny clothes
- No too tight clothes
- Not too much flesh
- Not too directional in anyway

Will I miss seeing my face in a magazine while I get my pedicure? A bit. But, I will no longer have to correct people when they say, which they did all the time, “ I just read you in US magazine!”

worst

Inside mommy’s purse

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Into the bowels of motherhood.  The true secrets of mommy.  The stuff we don’t want anyone to see..

until now…  a horror movie or a cry for help?

It’s just the inside of my purse (eck eck eck eck)
purse

Spare diapers, gold fish crackers, phone numbers to young sailors-wait, how did that get in there?

Normally I would rather show my muffin top than show the inside of my purse ( hmm, did that right).

I finally dumped my purse out on the porch yesterday as I was tired of getting my fingernails encrusted with crackers everytime I plunged in looking for my keys, a pen, my wallet, spare ointment.

How long do you go before you clean out your purse?  I’m thinking I should shoot for once a week and then it will happen once a month.

Oh, the shame

Finding the Good in Back To School (sponsored)

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Can you smell it?  Can you smell the tension of trying to get your kids dressed, hair brushed and “for the love of God, put on your shoes” as you try not to get a tardy?  You’d think it was my report card at stake.
Yes, I can smell back to school time is close.  Oh, those last gleeful moments of summer.  Outdoor dining in the back yard, staying up late and mosquito bites. Lathering up the kids with sunblock, glasses, sun hat and the rose of summer: Cherries!

summer

I know some parents think summer creates more work for them, but I have really enjoyed it this year.  But, I have to look for the bright side as summer wanes.

Brightside #1

When Rex starts his two day a week school I will have two mornings I can work out and get into supermodel shape…if you can with two days a week workout.

Brightside #2 when it gets dark earlier, I get the kids to sleep sooner thereby leaving more time to read ( also known as watch DVR’d “House Hunter International”)

Brightside #3 Continuing the tradition of “Day Outs”.  When I was growing up my mom took each of us on our own day out with mom.  We bought our school clothes and then got to pick where we would go to eat for lunch.

“Anywhere you want!”  She would say.  Did I pick legendary restaurants of LA that are long shuttered?  Scandia, Chasen’s, Brown Derby?  No.

“Howard Johnsons!”

Last year was the first year I started it with Vivien.  It is magical being the mom in this equation as it was being the daughter.  I love our time together.  When we shop we discuss likes and dislikes, style and what is appropriate.  She is no longer at the age that I can dress her up like a paper doll, but is not giving me the sullen teen push back.  I know which colors she gravitates too.

But, since she is still a little kid I can’t wear her out and risk a meltdown mid “happy day”.  So I’m doing my research before we set out.  I know from my niece ( 10) the kids are still digging the Peace signs and graphic tees.  Denim is hot, check.  Sears Style helps you do your homework so you know what the kids are into.  I do prefer to go to a place I can pick up a few t- shirts for my stepson as well.  ( sidebar, there was the cutest yellow dress with white lace in the junior department that I wonder if my childbearing hips could fit into).  Sears also has a Sears Personal Shopper app this year for iPhone and Android’s (my phone) that I want to use.  Snap a picture of something you want for back to school and expert shoppers find it and contact you on where you can get it, even if it’s not at Sears.
I smell smart shopping.

This is one of three posts sponsored by Sears.  I was pleased to be asked to be a spokesperson for their back to school tween clothing.  Next post: favorites from the media tour.

What to wear back to school? Survey Results (sponsored)

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What are the back to school items you want to skip?  Which ones are on your to do list?

If I was to fill out a survey on the topic I would say

1) One of  my back to school items is trying not to look like the frumpiest lady at drop off.

2) closed toed shoes for Vivien.  She can’t wear her favorite foot wear at her school, sandals, so I will be looking for closed toe shoes that are EASY TO PUT ON.  When we are trying to get out the door I can’t stand wrestling with the hard to slip on shoes.

3) good price.  Yes, I have seen $130 jeans for little kids.  I have also seen people bungee jump.  I plan on doing neither.  They grow out of their clothes so fast it’s koo-koo to spend that kind of money on kid clothes.

Well, speaking of surveys Sears and Blogher did a survey about parent’s shopping habits for this Back to School period. Here are some of the results

–two-thirds of parents say they are inclined to spend more on apparel items like jeans, tops and shoes for this school year versus last year.

So, even in a downturn, kiddos still keep growing.  I am more likely to buy something for my kids than myself.

But according to the survey, parents are spending more on KEY items, but, they using newspaper ads, circulars and loyalty programs to track down the best deals. All those services that rhyme with boo pon, you know.

Okay, so what are the key items?  For my 10 year old niece it’s cool pants and graphic tee’s.  Preferably, with a peace sign.  For my 17 year old stepson, it’s tight legged blue jeans and plan t shirts.  For Vivien it’s anything in pink.  So, to make the purchase worthwhile… the maximize your time, here a few results of my own:

1) pick stuff they are really going to wear.  Yes, I would love it if I could still dress my niece up in fancy dresses, but it ain’t going to happen.

2) lay out a few rules.  there will be no midriff showing, a non starter. I’m fine with a peace sign, or Love or American flag, but nothing with a negative or snarky saying thanks.

I know I will soon be made irrelevant, but right now I still a little input.

3) don’t shop at a place that is not your food group.  Make sure it’s a store that has stuff you feel okay with.

4) Sears has a great Facebook application called, “Mom’s Amazing List”, which allows you to actually create your own shopping list and get suggestions based on your child’s gender and age.

5) Avoid the impulse.  I could buy my daughter cute, flowery dresses all day, but her closet is choking with them, so until she gets a little bigger, I can’t justify that purchase.

I should ) my own shopping better.

this is the first of three posts sponsored by Sears about Back to School shopping.  I am going to be doing some media appearances in support of their program.  I love me some Sears.

GIVEAWAY: Bikini Thief

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Put down the sunscreen, get your flip flops on and fire up the margarita machine! We are doing a swimsuit giveaway! Not one, but two!!  Watch the vid and comment below to win.

The suits are fab and provided by Bikini Thief. My stylist friend Jess Zaino hooked us up. She thought (correctly) that I would love them since they have a vast maternity line. She gave me the red “St. Bart’s” suit last year. So cute and comfy. You don’t have to be pregnant to wear them; maybe just not wanting to display your less than stellar abs poolside.

Happy Summer!

**For official rules, click here.

Bad Hair day winner!

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I am glad I didn’t say I would determine who would win this contest. That would have been hard.  I so feel you thick, frizzy haired gals out there.  All the comments were great.  But the winner as chosen by random.org was

(drum roll) Becky!! of Happy Hour Mom– congrats.  Someone will be sending you your Rusk Blow dryer ( light as a feather) and Deep Shine oil treatment .

Frizzy hair people everywhere I must insist you buy this oil.  I am seriously developmentally challenged when it comes to my hair, but putting a little of this oil on when I get out of the shower I can style my hair. Not, super cute salon blow out, maybe someone else could.  It has really helped me look more beach babe, then homeless woman.

Thanks to all those who played. Thanks to Nancy O’Dell for turning me on to the Rusk love.  I have another giveaway contest next week that you will love.

Josie Maran

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This little sprite of gal, model Josie Maran was on The Fashion Team last year.  She had just been bumped from Dancing with the Stars (first one off, ouch) and was launching her green cosmetic line.  A year later she came back and has been selling her line like gangbusters.  She has also been helping fellow Momversation panelist Rebecca Woolf with her five minute makeovers. Here she dishes on DWTS experience, being a working mom and touts her Argon oil.  Okay, QVC gal, I’m sold!  Well, actually she gave it to me, but I’ve been slathering it on my face night and day.

I wonder if I put it all over my body, will I look like her in a swimsuit?

Desert Chic

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Saw that some comments came in about my oh-so-fab swim cap. Yes, I do have old lady aesthetic. And since I hope in my later years to be one of those older gals you see in Palm Springs with a short coiffed blond do, thin pink pants, and a fun top walking from my golf/tennis game on the way to have a cocktail with my partially deaf husband who doesn’t mind that I drop change on the ground hoping the pool boy, Hector, bends over to pick it up, yes, I love this swim cap.

I have the hair of a boar, so it’s easier not to have to wash and style too often. My dad’s ex-girlfriend Pat bought it for me in Vegas. She had one on at my wedding, and my sisters and I were all aflutter over it. She kindly bought them for us. It has a great vintage look to it. I did a little search and found this site that has some cute ones. Why would I get one of those speedo types that look like you would do some serious swimming in? I’ll be doggy paddling with Angie Dickinson, thank you!

Note, the photo in the lower right corner is of us and our friends at the Palm Springs Tramway. It is pretty cool to be taken up that high, that fast into a different climate. The picture should have been super cheese, with the fake background green-screened on, but we loved it.

Oscar Fashion

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And speaking of something light and fluffy, I turn to Oscar Fashion! I am taping a show for The Fashion Team on the TV Guide Network that will air this Sunday about this subject. But of course I was already twittering away about it the night of. That is until I had to keep Rex from pulling my sister’s dog’s hair out. Then my hands were tied.

The funniest person ever to talk about Oscar fashion… or any fashion is my friend Michael Sterk. Every gal needs a best guy friend who likes fashion (if you know what I mean). Michael works in fashion and is such a class act. Everyone who meets him adores him. And if one didn’t love him, they aren’t worth knowing.

Sadly for me, the Big Apple whisked him away two long years ago. He helps design many shoe lines. There is no replacing Michael’s spirit and wit. So, next best thing, we exchanged emails about Oscar night. Here is our exchange. Italics are him. See if you agree.

Michael: Hi Love!
Well here is my Oscar overview…I have to say, I quite enjoyed the awards, and (almost) everyone looked good!
Here are my faves….
I gotta give it up to JLO…She turned it out and really owned the carpet…..the dress, hair and make-up was utter perfection!

–Agreed, classy.

Also….kudos to SJP! Now I know the reviews were mixed, but I loved the whole idea of her! She really gave you “LOOK.” I know the dress was a bit ill fitted but she gave it to you!!! I love love love the hair, make-up was on point and the color and floral details on the dress (with perfect jewelry) was a sight….she gave you drama! LOVE!

–Yes, exciting, she can pull it off. Love the hair.

Sandra Bullock… well… she was there to win! She looked like a true movie star! Simply beautiful! I love the color of the dress, loved her hair, she looked stunning! (wasn’t 100% about the beading detail at the top of the dress, but I’ll get over it!)

- Yeah, good, not great, wrong lipstick, the heavy red.

Queen Latifah and Mo’Nique both looked gorgeous… I loved Queen’s dress, and the color was amazing!

–Mo’Nique was OK. Latifah knows how to dress the big body like no one else. She has it down.

I really liked Maggie G. I thought the dress stood out (loved the print and the fact she took a chance) and fit her perfectly, yet not quite sure if was Oscar worthy?

– No, it kind of bugged. Not a fan of  the dress, but yes, it was modern.

Meryl Streep looked good… thought she was put together nicely… loved the white!

-Yes, no one pays the proper respect to the sleeve like Ms. Street, I mean Streep. You know.

I really like Rachel McAdams… thought the dress was exciting and loved the color and the print and the texture! Perfect hair and make-up as well!

–Really nice. Surprised you haven’t mentioned Anna Kendrick. Think she was one of the best of the night.

I loved Demi Moore! She was a vision in deep peach!!! Perfect from head to toe!
Kate Winslet… looked gorgeous… wasn’t in love with the dress, thought it looked a bit displaced… I didn’t think the top worked with the bottom, but she looked flawless nonetheless

–Color her.

Penelope Cruz gorgeous but boring

– So boring I wore something similar to cover the Oscars 3 years ago.

Cameron Diaz looked pretty….hated the hair–

–Yeah, something was off, but nice.

Kristin Stewart looked pretty and quite polished….the dress fit her quite nicely!
-Glad she had less of her scowl/
Vera Farmiga looked amazing and the dress was stunning! And don’t get me started on the color! GOREGOUS!!!!

–Seemed a tad contrived.

Now for my least favorites…
It’s a tie between Tina Fey and Why-ly Cyrus….Tina looked  really old and the dress looked bad (sorry Michael Kors) it was not Oscar worthy!
….and for Why-ly UGH! She too looked old and not age appropriate! She is just a hot mess!

–Tina’s was  a TOTAL knock off of Kate Winslet’s last year, but in a different color. For her not bad, but didn’t like the hair.

Why-ley always looks old.

Zoe Saldana… why? Such a pretty girl, that dress was very confusing! It look like she was trying to sneak in a bunch of muppets under her dress…

– The joke of the night. She could wear anything, but chose a dress that required special effects, or 3-d glasses.

Didn’t love Elizabeth Banks or Amanda Seyfreid… I though it looked like they were trying to hard, yawn……

–I didn’t mind. I say bring it. Liked Elizabeth’s diamond hairband, sweet.

Faith Hill looked gorgeous but the dress was too much… hated the lace slit

–Didn’t see, but she is always pretty.

Mariah….what can I say….another hot mess.
–But for her, she looked decent–at least she looked less like a whore. She and her boy groom are so cute.
Diane Kruger… way too many things going on on that dress…kinda like a cream colored garbage bag

–I said, BCBG on the sale rack

…….and Charlize Theron…..why oh why? I hated the dress, it looked so forced and cartoon-like….like bad Moschino…..way too costume-y and not in a good way!!!
–Well said…. couldn’t understand it AT ALL, she should know better. Loved Alec and Steve.  Meeded more surprises though.
So that’s it! hope you enjoyed the show!
Miss you!
xM
p.s. I love love love Tom Ford.
–Always.