Easy Chic: Comfy Dresses

With all of the holiday eating that is going on between meats & cheeses, cookies, and fancy cocktails we could all use some comfortable attire. That doesn't mean you can't look good while stuffing your face, visiting family, and driving to the country. While it is easy to slip on your favorite jeans and a nice top and necklace, it is just as easy to pull over a cute dress, throw on a cardigan, and slide into your favorite boots. Not only will you be cozy, everyone will be impressed that you are dressed a step above. The most important part of this wardrobe staple is its versatility, its comfort, and its lack of care needed (no ironing!!!!). Here are a few to get you started, mix them up by layering necklaces, scarves and cardigans. Tights are highly recommended with your favorite flats and boots.

1. Monochrome Shift
2. It's a Sweatshirt Dress!
3. Incredibly Versatile
4. Preppy Classic
5. Feminine and Flirty
6. Cool Color-block (also in all black)

Effervescent Nails!

Base Color: Essie Marshmallow
Grey Spots: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Wet Cement
Gold Spots: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Time to Shine (which appears to no longer be available, any gold will do)
Top Coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

I just used the tip of a pencil to dip in nail polish blogs that I dropped on a piece of paper...very low tech operation here in the fox den.

Eyebrow Magic - For Blondes and Redheads

Having fair coloring and being of the strawberry blonde persuasion has lead to an easy life in regard to hair removal. Thankfully, I do not have to shave my legs often, worry about furry arms or make multiple waxing appointments every month to have hair ripped from its cozy follicles. However, this comes with certain drawbacks, mainly, invisible hair that looks best visible: eyebrows and eyelashes.

For a couple of decades, I walked around with completely invisible eyebrows until I had the idea to dye my strawberry blonde hair a dark brunette. Once that was done, the lack of eyebrows was ridiculously prominent and my stylist threw some dye on them as well. Voila! What a difference it made...kind of...they were brown but very fine, though a nice coat of brown mascara remedied that. A few months later I decided that the brown was not flattering and I went back to my natural hair color, but kept the brown eyebrows...awkward! 

I tried many different options - some powder fillers, eyeliners, more dying - but none of the options filled them out, colored the existing brows and color matched. Finally, I found this, a miracle in a tube! It fills in the sparseness, matches my natural hair color, and put color on the actual hairs instead of being a layer under the glowing white hairs in light. The best part is, I can put it on in a general swipe and refine the shape with a damp Q-tip to get perfect arches. This also helps as a guide to pluck away all the unnecessary "invisible" hairs that catch the sunlight.

Colors!: 2013 - Emerald

Apparently, Pantone has been checking my searches because they totally stole my current color interest when they chose Emerald as their color of the year (literally, I even used "emerald" they didn't even try to hide it!). So get ready to see green everywhere you go, thankfully it's a pretty universally flattering color to all skin, hair, and eye colors. As a result of my already piqued interest, I have a bunch of cute ways to incorporate this hot hue into your look.

1. Green Colored Pencil

2. Emerald Shadow in an Emerald Case - Seriously Emerald
3. Maybe Dorothy Should Have Worn These to Meet the Wizard
4. Two Trends for the Price of One! Emerald AND Lace
5. Aaaaaand it's on Sale!
6. British Racing Green
7. Emerald as Emeralds
8. Year Round Emerald
9. A Lot for a Little

Be Bold AND Beautiful

So you have all seen them, especially if you happen upon a JCrew catalog, but I am willing to bet many of you don't utilize their beauty power! Your Mom knew their power, your Grandma probably even more so, what you ask is this super beauty powerhouse??? BOLD lips! Nothing can spruce up your face or your outfit like a bright beautiful lip. Whether you go for classic red or current hotties, hot pink and red-orange you will instantly appear to be a chic stylish lady with minimal effort. A little trip to Sephora or your favorite make-up test zone with your BFF is a great way to find the best color for you. There are also a lot of make-up specific bloggers out there that will recommend a number of super fancy ( NARS-$$$) lipsticks, which I am sure are incredible, but if you don't have tons of money to spend on a test drive your local Target store has more than enough offerings to get you going. However, it is very important that with you purchase of lipstick you also purchase a lip liner, this is essential to a long lasting non-feathering successful bold lip. You can go one of two routes, either purchase a lip liner that closely matches your lipstick color, or purchase a clear lip liner that will keep your edges clean with multiple shades.

   Hot Pink                          Classic Red                        Orange-y Red

Steps to get long lasting bold lip color:

1. Carefully line lips on the very edge with a nice clean smooth outline.
2. Fill lips with liner - if using a same color liner
3. Apply a coat of lipstick
4. Blot lips
5. Dust a layer of your face powder over your lips
6. Apply a second coat of lipstick
7. Blot

Voila! Be prepared for a few head turns...

Holiday parties are a great time to bust these out for a great WOW factor, but don't hesitate to mix it into your everyday make-up and give those smokey eyes a break or give your  glasses a geek chic upgrade!

Fox Yeah!

So my forever favorite seems to be the darling of the fashion community this winter with foxes popping up all over the place. Taylor Swift was just spotted at the zoo rocking a fox sweater and Tory Burch has a whole line of products dedicated to the fabulous red fox. In case you want to get in on the action I have assembled a large collection of fox finds, most are pretty easily attainable, while a few are definitely for hard core fox lovers like myself. (Number 2 & 9 are my top picks.)

1. Sweater 1
2. Sweater 2
3. Sweater 3
4. Sweater 4
5. Top 5
6. Top 6
7. Top 7
8. Top 8
9. Super Crazy Awesome Flats 9
10. Scarf 10
11. Dress 11

How To: Ballerina Bun

This quick, easy, and chic hairstyle is pretty popular in many variations and incredibly easy to do. I use a roll I bought in a blonde color at a local beauty supply store, there are many variations all over the internet and in drug stores. Another option is to cut off the toe of a sock that is similar to your hair color and roll it into a donut. I made my bun kind of big and messy but you can easily adjust the size depending on how tight you roll it up or how big of roll you start with.

Bun Helper

1. Start with a ponytail placed where you want the center of your bun to be, then pull your pony through the center of your donut.
2. Next, pull the donut to the end of your ponytail and wrap the end around it.
3. Roll the donut down the full length of your ponytail, it will naturally spread itself out.
4. Once at the base of your pony spread your hair evenly around and adjust it to make sure everything is covered underneath.
5. Pin it down to secure, and lightly hairspray.
6. Voila!

The Under $20 Gift Guide - For Her

Whether youhave a tight budget, or a bunch of ladies in your life to buy for, these are a few budget friendly options that will bring a lot of cheer. The Seche Vite Top Coat (1) is a must for any manicure if you pair it with a color polish (2) selected to suit your girl it can be useful and thoughtful gift. Most girls and ladies are obsessed with colorful pens, we love to write out cards and maybe some still even right checks, or add a little color to doodles, this pack of Le Pens (3) class it up a bit with there chic nimble design and your lady with have a year full of colors to choose from. An affordable, casual, and stylish scarf (4) that goes with most skin tones and personalities never goes to the Goodwill bin. I grouped ModCloth accessories (5) into a bunch because they have a lot of fabulous options that will definitely afford you the opportunity to watch your pennies while getting a completely personalized gift for your gal. The best parts of the ASOS belts (6) is there are tons on sale so you can pick two! Maybe choose one neutral and one vivid for a well balanced gift.

A Post for the Men: Socks

Ok guys, this is a pretty cheap and easy redo to your wardrobe, although depending on how into it you get it could get expensive. That said, here are a few options at reasonable prices to get your toes wet... errr keep them warm and dry?

Here is the deal, plain black dress socks just show how boring and uninspired you are, and white socks show you are just plain old lazy. Add a little bit of easy style to your wardrobe and the ladies will think you are a dapper dude who gives a shit about his appearance, which means he is a guy that gives a shit about things in general....that is a good quality to have!

Be bold! Be brave, take the dive and I promise you will garner compliments from the ladies in your life, hopefully not just from your mom....

1. Cheap and easy, go ahead and order multiples of craziest colors.
2. Yikes! Stripes!
3. Spots and Dots 
4. Hip To Be Square

Colors! - Noir Edition

With winter coming most of us are likely pulling out our warm, cozy, and reliable black layers. Why not spruce up your moody-broody winter black with some pops of color! Here are a few suggestions to get you started, but don't forget about the impact some bold make-up can have, a little bit of color can go a long way to making you stand out in the crowd.

I Want to Party!

I have kept these tabs open way to long but I can't give up hope, I want this to be my holiday party look!

1. ArtiChic Dress
2. Apropos-priate Accessory
3. A Little Bit of Peacocking Can Be a Very Good Thing!

Double-Crosser Scarf Tie

This scarf tie works great with regular-old scarves, they can be winter-weight or light-weight,  cotton or wool, because the emphasis is on the tie around the neck. It is also great for adding a little flair under coats, jackets, blazers or cardigans. Unless you have a very long scarf it might look a little off on its own as it ends up with shorts end, great for tucking under a top layer.

1. Start with the scarf behind your neck about 3/4 of it going to one side.
2. Next wrap the scarf around one time.
3. Adjust the tightness around your neck.
4. Drop your hand over and into the loop you just made.
5. Pop your hand under the hanging side, so it is over the loop and under the tail.
6. Grab the other hanging tail in your looped hand.
7. Pull completely through the hole your hand was previously occupying.
8. Give both ends a tug and tuck under your jacket, coat, blazer, etc...
9. Ta-Da! The final product.

Ask Fancy Fox: (N)o Grease Lighting

Dear Fancy Fox,

I am a normal woman in her 30's, not a Pat Benatar impersonator or a daredevil biker. And yet! I really, really want a pair of (p)leather leggings. For now, I have my eye on these: Kick A$$ Pants since H&M pants fit me really well. IF I buy them, what do I pair them with? A chunky sweater? I get it, but I hate those. Please advise on shirt and shoes. 

Me: 5'4", 120lbs, lives in the city, is not cool anymore (but apparently is still trying, oh bless your heart), can wear whatever I want all day because I am my own boss

Halp!

Sincerely,

Doesn't want to look like Sandy at the end of Grease

Dears Sans Sandy, 

No need for chunky sweaters here, there are a ton of great options whether you are feeling casual, ultra feminine, romantic, chic, or super trendy. Also for the sake of cheap shipping or ease of getting in and out of the store as quickly as possible I found you a bunch of options right there in H&M (This post is not sponsored by H&M, but I would happy to accept their sponsorship at anytime!)

Each of these tops can be worn alone with the pants, of course the jackets need a base layer...unless you are feeling extra brave. The U-shaped hem of the denim shirt (2), the drape-y  T-shirt (9) and the tank top (6) are incredibly flattering to the female shape. Tank #6 is one of my wardrobe staples, choose whatever colors work best for you and mix and match accordingly it is a great and flattering base layer.

1. Simple Chic
2. Lose the Leather Belt
3. Tux Lux
4. Flattering Floral
5. Going Batty
6. BUY THIS IN EVERY COLOR!
7. Classic
8. Hopeful Romantic
9. Cute and Casual

A. Burgundy Beauty

B. Black Ballet Basics

C. Glam Glitter

Keep the great questions coming!

Golden Girl

Be brave! Add a little golden glitz to your day! Keep these pants (1,4) and skirt (8) casual with a chambray shirt or dress them up with a classic fitted black sweater. Throw on these metallic shoes (2) or tote bag (7) and add a touch of glam to everyday errands. For an even subtler approach put on a slash of golden eyeliner (5) or a slick of metallic polish(6) for some surprise shimmer. This snazzy collar (3) infuses an elegant cuteness over a simple blouse or crewneck. Go ahead, you can do it!

1. Go for Baroque
2. Midas Toes
3. Hardware Neckware
4. Golden Gams
5. If Cinna can do it, so can you!
6. Good as Gold
7. I have a couple of these in different colors, no cute name, just facts
8. "Flash" Some Thigh

Ask Fancy Fox

If you have anything you want me to post about shoot me a message and I'll be happy to dedicate a post to you! Want to know how to do a hair or nail something? Need help with an outfit? Curious what you should wear with a piece you already have? Ask me and I'll be happy to help!

Nail How To: Cuticle Care

Once a week or so I sit down for an hour in the evening in front of the TV with my big basket full of nail polishes and goodies and give myself a manicure. I used to be an extreme nail biter - ragged nail stubs, bloody shredded cuticles, the whole nine yards of obsessive chewing. One day I decided that I just wanted to put a stop to it once and for all, and I did. The key to this cold turkey bad habit quitting was making my fingers something that I wanted to admire, not devour. Hence, the start of the weekly manicure. As long as my nails and cuticles are well groomed I am able to avoid the temptation to nibble and the side effect is fabulous nails!

The first half of my manicure is grooming my cuticles. I am not one of the lucky people who have nice smooth set back cuticles, I have the dry - would creep over half my finger nail if I let them - type. Below is my four step process diagrammed out in full detail. 

Tools:

1. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU NEED! I have tried other cuticle removers this is by far the most effective, and cheap!
2. Cuticle Nippers
3. Metal Cuticle Pusher I couldn't find the one I have exactly, its a few years old, hence why I like the metal, they last forever and can be cleaned and sanitized and keep a sharp edge, unlike the wooden ones.
4. Paper Towels 

1. Apply a generous layer of the cuticle remover onto the cuticles of one hand. Let it sit for a minute.
2. Use the cuticle pusher to push cuticle back, it shouldn't hurt, but you will have to push hard enough to scrape them back. It may take a few tries to get this down, but you learn in time how aggressive to be. 
3. Finger by finger, firmly wipe away the gel with a paper towel and use the nippers to cut off the excess cuticle. *Cuticles if cut to far will bleed profusely, I learned this the hard way, and still do it on occasion.
4. Check out all of your fingers and make sure you don't have any little bits to clip.
5. Repeat on the other hand.

Now you are ready for polish....or you are done, depending on how you like your nails!

Great Coats Under $300

A great coat is a winter necessity. Since it is the piece you will wear almost every day and is the first thing people will see when you meet them during the cold season, it makes a big impression. You are also dependent on it to keep you warm while looking great. When I buy a coat, I expect it to last at least three winters - if not more. A few years ago, with the help of a coupon, I invested in the Thinsulate lined tall version of the classic wool J.Crew coat; it has not let me down in terms of warmth or appearance. I expect to have it at least three more years. I found these coats that I think will keep you warm and chic well into next winter: 

My Coat (but mine is petrol blue from a few years ago) - This is under $300 if you use a coupon which J.Crew offers for signing up for email, or just every few weeks on their site.

1. Great Color and Collar
2. Pretty Puffer
3. Fantastic Faux Fur
4. Perfect in Persimmon
5. Cute Color Blocks
6. Thats A Wrap

Nail Polish: Essie - beyond cozy

What a lovely way to welcome winter with a bit of comfortable glam! I suspect this bottle will be used up by February.

Essie - beyond cozy

How To Tie A Scarf - Fancy Cowgirl

Start with  large rectangular scarf:

1. First hang the scarf around the neck with approx. 2/3 hanging over your shoulder on one side, while grabbing the top corner of the other, tuck the corner under to form a triangle across your chest.
2. Pull the longer side to allow for enough scarf to wrap around your neck.
3. Next wrap the longer side loosely around your neck one time.
4. Repeat the first step on the other side grabbing a corner and tucking it under the wrapped portion around your neck to form an overlapping triangle.
5. Ta-Da! You can use safety pins or a brooch to hold this wrap in place or just re-tuck the corners throughout the day, depending on the texture of your scarf you may not need the pins.

This wrap looks great layered under coats or just on its own, it is generally my go-to wrap if the scarf is going to be a day long accessory and not just for cold weather layering. This tie works well with large scarves and many different weights.

Birthday Foxes

Fox Blouse Detail

Today is my birthday and I share it with my twin sister. We are full-on identical twins, which is awesome; we both feel bad for people that don't have twins because we can't imagine life without each other. Happy Birthday, Terrie, I love you and think you are the best! This year I have received some fox-themed birthday gifts and wishes, but my absolute favorite came from my absolute favorite twin sister. It is a pretty sweet fox blouse that I've had my eye on. I had my husband take a few pictures for me to share because my look today showcases the majority of my blog posts so far in action while highlighting my foxy gift.

Fall Essentials in Action: Boots and Blazer

Hair Tip: Day 2 of Waves and Dry Shampoo

In case you want a fox blouse of your own:
Super Cute Fox Blouse!

I also woke up to this little guy on a handmade card from my husband:

The Ultimate Mixed Neutral - Leopard!

I have an affinity for mixed neutrals and have been rocking black-brown combinations for over a decade, long before Gwyneth stepped out in it. Black, brown, grey, tan, cream, & white are just begging to be mixed by their very nature. If they go with anything, why not each other? By far, the ultimate mixed neutral is leopard print! There is fine line between a great leopard print, and a Nana or trashy leopard. Let’s explore...

1.Covet

2.Splurge

3.Cute and Affordable

4.Flair Accessory 

5.Subtle Accessory

6.SWOON (leoppies!)

Making Waves - A Hair Curling How To

I have had a few requests for how I make my super straight hair wavy, so here is a picture step-by-step. 

Supplies:
1 in. Curling Iron
The Best Hair Spray Ever!
Clips

1. Start with completely dry hair, this is my fresh out of the shower two minute blow dry, no need for fancy brush tricks.
2. I grab the very first front piece of my hair and start wrapping the top of my hair around the top of the barrel away from my face. Notice I don't close the clamp, and yes you just stand there holding the end and count to thirty or so.
3. See the nice curl? It should look like that once you release.
4. Now I pull back the top layer and secure with a clip. (Sometimes I skip this and just grab chunks, it's up to you and your skill level)
5. Make your way all around the bottom layer with approx. 1 inch chunks until you get to the back of your head. Always wrap your hair in the direction away from your face.
6. Release the clip and do the same with the top layer, it will be easy to sort the straight chunks out from the curled chunks underneath.
7. Get as far around the back as possible so hopefully you will meet both sides in the back.
8. Start the same process on the other side of your head and repeat all the same steps.
9. There is always a sneaky hiding piece in the back!
10. Make sure to point the curling iron down in the back your arm might get a little tired but don't drop is sideways or the curls look odd.
11. Smile at your patient and silly husband and let you know appreciate his help.
12. Once all the pieces have been curled, separate them by gently pulling them apart.
13. Tszuj!!!
14. A little bit of hairspray to keep things in place.
15. Immediate results, mine tends to settle after an hour or so, to not be as precise and a little more be beachy.

FOXY!

I combine this look with my dry shampoo regimen and get at least two days, if not three, of wavy hair wear. The second day looks much more relaxed and tousled, which I actually prefer.

Fall Fundamentals

Every girl knows each season holds it’s own special influence on our dressing, we build our looks from a steady stable of fundamental pieces. At least one of my fall fundamentals appear in 9 out of 10 of my outfits, some times I may be layered up and every one!

1.Boots

2.Leoppies

3.Scarves

4.Cardigans

5.Blazers

6.Skinny Jeans

7.Trench

A year round staple that needs to be included is a great pair of sunglasses!

Classic!

Dry Shampoo - Dirty Little Secret

A few months ago I discovered a not-so-secret secret. Apparently, I was just in the dark. For years I was always jealous of the women with thick beautiful voluminous tousled hair who would casually toss out that they really only washed it every three days! What?!? My fine thin limp hair barely made it to the end of the work day before it started hazing over and clumping. After reading more and more articles and online reviews and finally being handed a can from my hairdresser neighbor, I took the plunge. Now I can’t imagine my life without it, I can be so dirty AND lazy, it is a dream come true for beauty slackers everywhere. The trick I discovered after some trial and error is that you should spray it on immediately to your freshly dried hair after washing, this way the oil never has a chance to grab hold of your precious locks and instead is immediately absorbed. I also spray a nice coat on before bed each night to keep the greasy griminess at bay. Now, don’t get me wrong - by day three, I’m ready for a wash, but not because my hair looks dirty, I just feel gross, and likely worked out that day, so I need to shower.

A little disclaimer: women with darker hair may like the brown-tinted versions because the regular spray may leave a white chalky residue. However, making sure to give the can a few good shakes remedies this somewhat, also brushing your hair out - and most likely, sleeping on it - will solve the issue for the most part.

I have tried out a bunch of different offerings, it is definitely a personal chemistry thing, what works best for me may be the worst for you, but I didn’t have any luck with the drugstore brands, sigh, and instead hit up Ulta for all my dry shampooing needs, my three top contenders are pictured.

1.Oscar Blandi Pronto

2.Rockaholic

3.Batiste