What I love about summer, minus the "double denim" look

Now that we are smack dab in the middle of summer, I'm anxious to partake in all this season has to offer--before it's gone! Soft serve ice cream cones, watermelon, wearing bedazzed flip flops, bright-colored tank tops, comfy sundresses and warm toes in the sand...(and maybe a tall adult beverage w/ an umbrella in it would be good too, LOL!)

Another thing I love about summer is wearing my casual denim shorts. They say relax and don't take your day too seriously when I wear them. Which gets me thinking about the "new" summer trend that was spotted on many fashion runways for spring/summer 2010. The good news is I have NOT seen much of this "new"trend. Which trend, you ask? WEARING DOUBLE DENIM!!!

Can one be a fashionista and truly pull off a "double denim" look? Is it possible to look "fashionable" wearing two pieces of denim??? I highly doubt one can. Or maybe it's just that I CAN'T pull off this trend?

Even though this may become a new trend that we MIGHT actually take seriously down the road...I'm not liking the idea of wearing two denim pieces in one outfit! It's simply overkill and looks very un-styled when worn together, in my humble opinion. I mean with all the denim being worn top and bottom, why not add a denim handbag why you are at it--and shoes?

In the top picture, I feel Vanessa Hudgens rocks her double denim look ONLY because the shorts she is wearing are black. Wearing double denim the SAME SHADE looks crappy (in my opinion of course). This picture below I think makes my point. Even though it's a professional ad for jeans--it looks washed out and boring:

What say YOU? Do you feel wearing "double denim" is a fashion faux pas or that a true fashionista should be able to rock this style? Have you worn "double denim" and felt good about it? I sure want to know!

What is worse than an outfit of "double denim"? How about a couple all glammed out in nothing but a sea of denim blue??! (I have to admit, it's kinda cute that you like your guy so much you want to match him)

Maybe it's just a guy thing....you think?  I have noticed that somehow guys with a cool vibe can pull off a "double denim" look. For example, Zac Efron below looks pretty snazzy! Is double denim only for young guys or only if the denim pieces are of a different shade? I'm just wondering if this trend does become a full blown style how I'd pull it off?

I'd love to hear your opinion about loading up on denim in one outfit. Do you purposely avoid wearing a denim jacket because you are wearing blue jeans? What say YOU? A do or a don't?

How to Avoid a Makeup Meltdown

Dear Missus Smarty Pants,

Your style advice and service has improved my self image and I am so deeply grateful for that. I do not have a perfect shape but now I know I DO deserve to feel wonderful just the way I am. Learning this was a huge “aha” moment for me.

I loved your tip about the Nars makeup awhile back. Wearing a lighter color made me look years younger and when I cut my hair shorter... well, everyone could not believe how nice I looked and it was all thanks to you!

Now that it is getting hot and humid in the south, could you pass along a couple of tips about wearing makeup in the summer?

Again, I owe you a great deal for offering this weekly style help and at such an affordable price!

Fondly, Elizabeth

Dear Elizabeth,

Thank you for sharing your style success with me. It is so true; a couple of appearance changes for the best can make a huge impact on how you feel about yourself! It amazes me every time, and it is why I love doing what I do!

First, realize heat and humidity make wearing makeup a challenge so you have to “lighten” up and not wear as much.

Here are seven ways to “lighten” up your makeup in the summer so you won’t have a complete makeup meltdown:   

1. Make time for primer. You won't regret the few seconds it will take to smooth on a primer, which goes on after moisturizer but before face makeup. It can help hold makeup in place on a hot humid day (that is if you plan to wear a foundation that day). Primer really do ROCK!!!

2. Lighten your makeup just like you do with your clothes; wear less when it's hot. First step: switch from thick foundation to tinted moisturizer or use a light face powder in areas where needed (like around the nose and "T" zone).

3. Consider a bronzer. A bit of color makes every face look more alive in the summer months. Apply bronzer ONLY to where the sun naturally hits you: forehead, cheekbones, chin, and nose. (Covering every nook and cranny is what gives you that fake, baked look.) Powder bronzers are the easiest to apply—and remember less is more when it comes to bronzer application.

4. Try wearing one lively color. Vivid colors can brighten your face and bring a youthful glow to your skin. Try either a bright lip color or eye color (only one area at one time) to brighten up your look since you aren’t wearing as much makeup.

5. Lose thick lipsticks. Heavy lip colors are too much once the weather gets hot. Go for tinted lip balms and get a pretty touch of color instead!

6. Stay-proof your eye makeup. Use a cream shadow with a powder over the top. This will help keep eye makeup in place during hot weather. Try it, it really works!

7. Go sheer. Rich, deep colors have their place, but they can look heavy in summer. To lighten up, switch to sheer versions of your go-to lip and eye hues.

Here is a link to the Nars makeup I previously suggested (called Orgasm...yes, that is really the name!) It comes in a lipstick, gloss and blush:   Nars Makeup 

Look Hot in White

 Not a size 6 but wondering if you can wear white pants and pull it off?

This warm weather dilemma haunts lots of women. Most women are afraid of white pants because they can show every bump and bulge and may be more of a “fashion faux pas” than a fashion “do”.

Lots of women cling to the color black like a security blanket (it is so slimming, you know) and can’t let go! Afraid to try something beside black bottoms? You are not alone.

Dear Missus Smarty Pants,

I am a wondering if white pants will make me look even bigger? I am a bit overweight but I would love to wear white pants or shorts. With warmer weather on the way I’d love to know how to wear white and look good.

I am a body type D, by the way.

Thanks for your help, Sylvia

Dear Sylvia,

This question pops up every spring/summer!

White is a great color to wear in the warmer summer months. White is light, bright and contrasts nicely with black and every bright color: lime, fuchsia, royal blue, sunny yellow, etc.

YOU can wear white pants, no matter your size! It’s a matter of finding the right white pants for you. The fit and style must be right.

Here are some tips to get you looking fabulous in white pants:

• Look for flat-front styles. NO PLEATS. Keep your style simple. Flat fronts keep you look smooth under all your shirts.

• Thinner fabrics like linens, silks, rayon-blends should ALWAYS be lined.

• The best choices for white pants/shorts are thicker fabrics. I like twills and a classic 5-pocket style. The thicker fabrics can give shape and structure to your shape.

• Look for pants with wider waistbands. A wide waistband of at least one and a half inches and in a firmer fabric helps minimize and hold in a tummy.

• White pants/shorts with side/slash pockets should be sewn shut. The “poofy” gaping pockets add attention and visual weight to your lower half!  Also remove pocket linings that show through. (They bring unwanted attention and you aren’t going to use your pockets anyways!)

• Choose a boot-cut style to balance out a tummy or larger hip area. This style makes your white pants look ultra-slimming!

• Last but not least…this is NOT the day to wear your underwear with the little pink flowers!!! DO NOT wear white underwear under white! This outlines your underwear—not a look you want! Wear underwear as close to your natural skin color that you can find. Consider a Spanx or other brand of panty shaper underneath for the smoothest look.

• White capris look best when worn with a heeled sandal or wedge shoe...

Remember; wear your white pants with a strong contrasting color (mentioned above). Or, go monochromatic (all white from head-to-toe) then add a colorful chunky necklace (maybe a shell necklace?) + cute colorful sandals to complete your on-trend outfit.

Love,

Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants