Mission Control- Luxury Shapewear Review

I have a love/hate relationship with shapewear.  And I'm sure my husband feels similarly.  Not because he wears it himself, but because shapewear isn't the sexiest thing I've ever worn.  I've joked that, while on a date, shapewear is false advertising just like a push-up bra.  Obviously my husband knows what I'm packing these days (see "plus-sized woman").  I'll be honest, I can't wear half the clothes in my closet without some type of shapewear on- It smooths out all of my lumps and bumps.  But let's face it, there is no sexy way to put on or peel yourself out of something that looks and feels like a sausage casing cleverly disguised as the 1940-esque girdle your grandmother wore.  My poor husband.

Needless to say I've been on the hunt for sexy shapewear for obvious reasons.  So when I stumbled across this beautiful lace bodysuit in June's InStyle Magazine, only to find out it was also shapewear, I had to look into it.  Others have tried to "dress up" shapewear, but none have mastered the balance of form and function quite like Mission Control.  Their products are less shapewear and more performance lingerie.  It's as beautiful as it is functional. And above all, affordable!

I put their products to the test on some of my friends and clients.  And their overall reaction?  W-O-W!  Some of my skinniest clients (aka- furthest from actually needing shapewear) said they would even be willing to wear shapewear if it looked as cute as this.  Now that's saying something.  My beautiful and very brave friend Amanda has graciously agreed to let me post photos of her wearing the product (because we want to see the stuff on real people, not just a model).  Pictured below are one piece from each of the Mission Control collections:

A-LIAS Sculpting Hi-Waist Brief. $38.
Notice how this "panty" easily pulls up towards her bra strap.  These babies don't roll down like others I have tried.  Only down side, and it's not necessarily a bad thing, is the they aren't exactly seamless.  To get the pretty stripes of color, they had to include seams.  However, when worn under this same black knit dress, you couldn't see them at all.

Exoskin Compression Tunic, $68
While this one is the prettiest of the three, it is really invaluable for those body con dresses.  What's great about this one is it allows you to wear your own bra.

















Body Boudoir Contour Cami, $52.
Isn't this lace beautiful?  Who wouldn't want to undress with the lights on in this hot number?  This cami comes from the same collection as the bodysuit I fell in love with in InStyle (see beginning of post).  It's so cute I don't want to hide it under my other clothes!  No one would guess that something this feminine and sexy is actually shapewear.  That's because it's not... it's performance lingerie. A+

Big thanks to Mission Control for letting me review their product, and to Amanda for being my amazing model :)

Images courtesy of InStyle Magazine, Mission Control and Jennifer Axcell

Guest Blogger Amanda Castro is "Jerseylicious"

I would like to introduce you to Amanda, accessory guru extraordinaire.  Here are her tips for ways you too can incorporate Jersey worthy bling into your wardrobe.

Amanda Castro

For some reason, I can’t get enough reality shows. So many guilty pleasures, so little time! My particular addiction however rests with those stations that really know how to play on my vices, fashion and gossip. Happily, Bravo and Style each serve up a decadent portrait on the stereotypical lifestyle of the rich, bitchy, and poorly dressed. The Real Housewives series, Kimora; Life in the Fab Lane, How Do I Look?, and new comer, Jerseylicious. The first time I selected it from the channel line-up, I was swimming in a sea of big hair, lacquered make-up, and animal print heaven! Where did this beautiful train wreck of a show come from and furthermore, when did reality TV get this good?! There’s something to be said for America’s recent captivation with the Garden State and I too have fallen for their strange flowers.

Jerseylicious stars several incredibly tan and fast talking stylists, a few of which enjoy a good fistpump or two. The ladies of the salon ooze a tasty, visual treat in skin tight clothing, shiny bronze skin, and acrylic nails to complete their cat-like quarrels. Sure there is one male stylist to help balance out the estrogen but let’s face it, we watch because we love the ladies! Who doesn’t want to be so seemingly free from judgement but quick to fight back? We can all relate to having a friend’s back when they needed it and then celebrating with some drinks and retail therapy.

Yet the best part about Jerseylicious is their bling. The bigger the better and the more the merrier. All I can say is, Hallelujah! I thought I was alone in that sentiment. I’m sure not all of you share my enthusiasm for baubles but there is a way to let your Jersey style shine, without it going to the docks.

First things first, avoid matching sets, specifically earrings and necklace sets, regardless if they’re evening or day-time specific. Sure they’re cute and pretty when they’re packaged together on a hot-tempered Italian gal but the minute you put them on, you look like Betty Homemaker who has no sense of her own style. You can achieve more interesting looks by dividing them up and wearing them with other pieces or with pieces that are similar, like Rachel Zoe did here in the April 2010 Issue of InStyle magazine.

Also consider a matching set that spaces out the pieces more evenly among your body, like earring and ring sets as seen in this H. Stern ad in the new Harper’s Bazaar. This way, you eye moves around your look and doesn’t land on the fact you’re wearing matching pieces. In fact, most people probably won’t even notice, which is why this type of set is ideal. Of course to make it Jersey-ready, layer on a few more rings and bracelets and you’re golden.

If you’re into the trend of statement jewelry but are afraid to completely take the plunge, try layering several more delicate pieces instead. On your arms, stack thinner bangles for a funky take on chunky bracelets. Around your neck, drape a few or several chains of different weights and textures for an edgy but still girly effect.  In fact, most contemporary necklaces come with several smaller chains already attached for those of you who are still a little apprehensive. For your fingers, I recommend seeking out some thin, hammered, stackable bands, about 9 total. They are great if you’re a little bit nervous about trying to combine and stack rings from your own collection. Etsy.com is a great source. In your ears should be a fabulous pair of brilliant, sparkling diamond studs. And if you can’t find those, fake it. Cubic zirconia or glass will substitute just find. And if that’s too girly for you, have some fun with it by using vintage pieces or unexpected shapes, like lightning bolts and feathers.

Though I doubt the Jersey shore will be washing away from out television sets any time soon, I think we can all take a little time to appreciate the blinging brilliance those perpetually bronzed ladies have served us. More is more and don’t think you can’t do it too, aight?!

For more information about Amanda, click here.

Image courtesy of Google image search

How To Tie A Scarf

I love scarves, as do many other women.  But I get tired of wearing them the same way all the time.  Lucky for me, and now you, I found a great website with chic illustrations showing some great ways to incorporate scarves into more of your outfits.  Below are some of my favorites~

Butterfly Wrap

A beautiful way of tying a scarf, accenting the elegant you. Can be sported with any outfit in your wardrobe.

Step 1	Fold the scarf using the basic fold 3.
Step 2	Let it hang around your neck with roughly one third of the scarf on one side (A) and two-thirds on the other (B) and cross these as illustrated.
Step 3	Bring A upwards to make it pass through the cross so that a sort of loop is formed.
Step 4	After tossing A underneath B, let it pass through a second loop again.
Step 5	Now when you pull one end firmly, you’ll get your butterfly wrap ready!

Casual

A lovely scarf tying style; ready in a manner of seconds. Suitable to be worn with any outfit; the minimum effort required to get this style ready is the cause of its immense popularity.

Step 1	Fold the scarf according to the basic fold 3.
Step 2	Let it dangle around your neck with one side (B) a bit shorter than the other (A).
Step 3	Take A and after crossing it over B let it pass from under B so that a sort of loop is formed.
Step 4	Bring A towards the neck again
Step 5	After letting A go around the neck, bring it down again and let it pass through the loop that was made before (in step 3).
Step 6	Your casual wrap is ready!

Crown Wrap

This is a relatively informal but stylish way to cover the head, named so because it creates a fabric crown over the head. An oblong scarf is needed for this wrap style. 

Step 1	Drape the rectangular scarf over the head off-centered so that one end hangs much farther down the body than the other.
Step 2	Gather the ends of the scarf at the nape of the neck and cross them behind the head.
Step 3	Form a rope by twisting the longer end; then lay along the front edge of the scarf approximately 1-2 inches from the edge (over the top of the head).
Step 4	Continue the twist around to meet the other, shorter, end of the scarf and knot the two ends together.
Step 5	The ends can be left loose to drape over or behind the shoulder, or may be guided along the back of the head and tucked under the scarf.

To see all of the other scarf tying instructions, click here.

 




Image(s) courtesy of http://www.texeresilk.com/cms-scarf_tying_guide.html

Day 14: EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on Shellac manicure in the San Francisco-Bay Area

So here they are, DAY 14.... see any chips?  NO.  Among regular wear and tear, these shellaced puppies survived two weeks of work, two airports and the hand washing dishes, CHIP FREE.

You can tell it's been a couple of weeks.  Look at that grow out.

 Surprisingly, this hard-to-chip hybrid polish is really easy to remove as well.

Step 1-Soak in Acetone

Step 2-Scratch off Shellac with an orange stick (cuticle pusher)

Soak and repeat as needed. DONE!

The best part of this whole process (other than the fact that the Shellac lasts at least 14 days) is that is causes no damage to your natural nail.  There's no "prepping" of the nail or abrasive filing.  Just soak and scratch off.  Simple.  I was also really please to see that there was no staining of my nails like you find with traditional red nail lacquer.

Finally, for the part you've all been waiting for......  I am so excited to announce that The Sanctuary Spa in the Marin Bay Club has agreed to offer my readers a $10 DISCOUNT on their Shellac manicure.  All you have to do is mention this blog post!  Hurry, the promotion only lasts until September 15th.  Book your appointment with Sarah before it goes back to full price.

Image(s) courtesy of Sanctuary Spa Marin Bay Club

Fashionable Movies: "How to Marry a Millionaire" with Marilyn Monroe

I love old movies, and one of my favorites is "How to Marry a Millionaire" with Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable.  Marilyn didn't make many bad movies, and this certainly isn't one of those.  Without giving anything about the movie away (I'm hoping you'll want to see it for yourself), I've included a short synopsis (after the jump):

Not wanting her date to see her glasses (she's blind without them), Monroe inspects her outfit in the ladies room

Three New York models, Shatze, Pola and Loco set-up in an exclusive appartment with a plan: tired of cheap men and a lack of money they intend to use all their talents to trap and marry three millionaires. The trouble is that's it's not so easy to tell the rich men from the huxters and even when they can, is the money really worth it?

During the hunt for their millionaire husbands,  the three models rent an upscale, furnished apartment, and live off of the sale of its furnishings.  I have to assume that a good portion of that money goes to their incredible wardrobes!

Outfits worn during the fashion show scene

This movie was made during a time when women's curves were celebrated and accentuated.  My, how times have changed- Marilyn was a size 12/14, and that was a good thing.  But I digress...  The point is, this movie is a vintage-loving-fashionista's fantasy. 

More outfits from the fashion show scene (why can't we shop like this any more?)

Bacall's trying not to fall for the "gas pump jockey", but keeps answering his calls.

When her millionaire comes back, Bacall realizes she won't have to sell off any more furniture.

I have to say this last outfit (above) is my favorite.  You can't see it as well here, but Bacall is sporting a huge poet sleeved blouse under a simple gray shift dress.  But you don't have to buy vintage to make this outfit work for you today.  To update this look for the 21st century, try this blouse and this dress.  Keep the hemline above/at the knee, and keep the accessories simple.

Impractical green/yellow skiing outfit, but oh-so-fabulous (best seen in color version of film).

What are you fashionable movie favorites?

Image(s) courtesy of Google image search

Day 7 of Shellac Manicure

 7 DAYS, NO SIGNS OF ANY CHIPS!  Shellac is amazing!

The Best 14-Day-Chip-Free Manicure Ever: Get your hands on "Shellac" at The Sanctuary Spa Marin

It's been all over the magazines, including the September issue of .  I first heard about the "14-day no-chip hybrid gel nail polish" from my manicurist, Sarah, at the Sanctuary Spa at the Marin Bay Club.  I trust Sarah with my nails because she is a meticulous perfectionist, which is an important quality in a manicurist.  So when I found out that her perfect manicure could last a full 14 days without the slightest chip, I was sold.

This gift to all women who are disillusioned by traditional nail lacquer and its incessant chipping, comes from salon brand CND- Introducing Shellac.

To show you how easy, and frankly similar it is to a regular manicure, I took photos of my latest application.  I'm not usually a red nail person, but for the purpose of showing you guys what this stuff is capable of, I went bold to make sure everything (even any flaws) show up through the process.

Base coat of Shellac being applied (comes out of a regular looking polish bottle and everything).

After curing the gel under the UV lamp, first coat of the color is applied.

UV lamp (2 minutes max depending)

Final top coat being applied.

The end result?  Perfect red nails that won't chip for two weeks!

Removal process is simply to soak the gel in acetone and gently scrape off.  None of the hard removal of acrylic or traditional gel nails.  I've been told that you can do this at home, but most salons will tell you that you need to have a professional remove to protect your natural nail.

Word is spreading and now this stuff is hard to come by.  In fact, it's causing quite a bit of uproar because salons are having a hard time getting their hands on product (forgive the pun).  I consider myself very lucky that the spa manager at Sanctuary was able to get her hands on some for her clients... and for the small additional cost of $10 to a regular manicure.  Two weeks chip-free, even though you have to have it professionally removed... well worth it!!  A-

Make sure to book your appointment, by calling (415) 945-3030.

Image(s) courtesy of CND and Sanctuary Spa

Movies That Inspired Fashion- Or is it the other way around?

A fellow fashion blogger posted a great top ten list of fashionable movies.  I have loved many of these films (especially anything with Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe).  I previously blogged about how much I loved watching the 40's fashion in the movie Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.  Dare I add it to the list at #11?

1. Sabrina (1954) Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, William Holden

2. Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961) Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard

3. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) Jane Russel, Marilyn Monroe

4. Rear Window (1954) Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly

5. Annie Hall (1977) Dianne Keaton, Woody Allen

6. Saturday Night Fever (1977) John Travolta, Karen Lynn Gorney

7. Grease (1978) John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John

8. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow

9. Devil Wears Prada (2006) Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway

10. Sex and the City (2008) Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall

Side note: In case you love Audrey as much as I do, you can now own a piece of history.  Three years ago Audrey's Breakfast at Tiffany's gown (below) sold for a whopping £410,000.  Now more iconic pieces from Audrey Hepburn's amazing wardrobe are up on the block.  Fifty per cent of the proceeds will be donated go to The Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund. Highlights from the sale will be show at Sotheby's New York, November 21-22 and at Sotheby's Paris, December 1-2. Visit Kerry Taylor Auctions for more information: http://www.kerrytaylorauctions.com.

Bottom image and auction info courtesy of http://www.catwalkqueen.tv/2009/11/audrey_hepburns_1.html

Diane's high praises have left me speechless...

"It is such a STRUGGLE fending off compliments to my outfit today... REALLY!!!

...I see that the better I feel about myself, the less likely I am to indulge in an eating marathon.  The clothes you chose and the support you have given me make me feel incredible... having beautiful clothes when I am at my "fullest" has really had a profound positive impact on my self esteem."

People tend to think of fashion as being purely superficial.  But you'd be amazed at the way your appearance can lift/hurt your self-esteem.  Anyone who's ever felt over-weight knows what it feels like to have your outward appearance affect you negatively.  Like Diane (see her "after photo" on the FB page), did you ever stop to think that a wardrobe update might help build your self-esteem?

How To Tie A Sash: My obsession with the obi waist belt

Nothing adds outfit impact like the prefect waist belt.  You can belt dresses, tunics, over sweaters, under sweaters, and the list goes on and on.  I love the look, and there are so many styles to choose from.  Personally, I've been on the hunt for the perfect obi sash style belt for this fall.

When on the hunt for unique items, one of the places I always check first is Etsy.com.  Top of the search list, I found one seller, nanafosu, with this super cool leather version.

This Etsy store not only sells these cool belts in various colors, all leather, but they also post great examples of how to tie them.  I am buying this one ASAP, and figured the pictures were worth passing along to you guys.

This is going to look so cute with my new boots I purchased at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale!

Image(s) courtesy of Etsy seller nanafosu

Not So SHORT Story: Dressing up for summer

Before 1- Kristina's typical summer style

Kristina was in desperate need of an update to her summer wardrobe.  She was tired of the tee-shirt-and-shorts look she had been wearing since, well, high school.  She felt like her look had no real style, and needed help putting together outfits.

Before 2- Kristina wanted to get away from just tees and shorts

We needed to do some serious shopping to get her ready for her trip to the Galapagos Islands next month.  Off to Bloomingdale's to take advantage of their end-of-season sales on summer clothes right now (additional 40-50% off the already reduced prices!!)...

Now you may look at this Aqua brand dress (below) on the website and move right on past it, probably because it doesn't seem very versatile.  Isn't silk too dressy for the day?  Sure Kristina could wear it on her vacation, but how was it going to translate into her day-to-day once she got home?  How do you make an outfit out of a dress?

Image of dress as styled on the Bloomingdale's website

First thing we did was to remove the belt that came with it (simple matching fabric sash style), and replace it with the rich brown Michael Kors woven leather belt.  The elasticized waist and flowy fabric of the dress were calling out for something with a little structure.  We balanced out the heaviness of the belt with this great military green jacket from Guess.  To pull the colors all together and finish off the look, we added dark brown sandals.

Re-styled dress Option 1

To change up the dress some more, we decided to keep the belt (it looked so great already), but soften the look by replacing the military green jacket with this great sleeveless cardigan in an oatmeal/tan color.  We replaced the brown leather sandals with some Marc by Marc Jacobs ballet flats to balance out the structure of the belt, and to bring back that military green color into the outfit.

Re-styled dress Option 2

Kristina left our shopping appointment happy and loaded down with shopping bags full of fresh ideas for her summer wardrobe.

What is your summer style?  How do you make an outfit out of a dress?

Dress image courtesy of Bloomingdales.com