But helping clients with simple make-up solutions and suggestions is part of my job, so I’ve had to learn enough about the subject to keep clients looking adequately polished during the day. At this time of year, the subject of party make-up comes up and my suggestions are overly simple because I just don’t like the look of an overly made-up face. After all, you in your “almost natural” form is most stylish!

I usually suggest the following make-up tips for party occasions so that you look a little brighter at night than during the day:

• Create an even skin tone with foundation or tinted moisturizer
• Apply a darker shade of lipstick
• Create a stronger brow line
• Double up the layer of mascara
• Add a little more blush

I also suggest a trip to the Mac make-up counter a few hours before an event if you’re after a smoky evening eye with eye shadow and liner. They do a great job and its virtually free. All you need to do is purchase one of their make-up items and you’re good to go. No need to fuss with make-up products on your own.

What’s your party make-up regimen and does it change from your daily make-up routine? How can I improve my party wear make-up tips? Are you enamored by the shimmery products that are available at make-up counters at this time of year, or do you find it overwhelming too?

I work in an environment where I am expected to look polished, so getting dressed for work is a lot of fun. However, dressing down for the weekends has been a big challenge for me. As the mom of a 4 year-old girl, I spent the last four years in a uniform of jeans, knit shirts, ballet flats and jackets. And although the outfits avoided being outright frumpy, I was not enjoying my weekend style.

That all changed when I started reading You Look Fab. Angie’s expert advice opened up my eyes and helped me see so many opportunities for fun weekend outfits in my closet. The biggest obstacle to my weekend style was allowing my work clothes to play with weekend pieces. Once I cleared that up in my mind, it was much easier to have fun with my wardrobe on the weekends. The formula that works best with my personal style is formula #6:

Denim skirt + knit top + leather or pleather jacket + slouch boots

I love wearing skirts. They make me feel very feminine and elegant. So when I bought a denim skirt earlier this year, my weekend style quotient immediately improved. I like to wear my denim skirt with turtlenecks, button down shirts and cardigans, or fitted t-shirts. Adding a scarf around my neck adds “a little dressed up feeling”. I almost always tuck tops into skirts, so that also makes the look dressy – which is what I like. Now that the weather is cooler, I can also get away with wearing shorter skirts by pairing them with opaque tights and low-heel boots. If I wear a shorter skirt, I keep the top layer longer by wearing a trench coat.

My job is fairly sedentary, so I wear high heels during the work week. But I am anything but sedentary on the weekends, so my footwear changes to low heels. Ballet flats are my favorite, but during winter months I like to wear booties and riding boots. Both play very nicely with skirts. I don’t own a leather jacket, so I usually wear a trench coat, a military jacket or a boyfriend blazer with my weekend skirts. I have an old leather trench that my mom wore before I was born, and every once in a while I will wear it purely for sentimental reasons.

I love scarves and shawls, so they are my preferred accessories. They also add color and extra warmth, so that’s all the more reason to wear them. I’ll wear necklaces occasionally, but I like to keep them simple (a single strand wrapped around twice so it’s not too long). As far as bags go, cross-body bags are my favorite because they keep my hands free. I don’t own neutral color bags because I like my bags to add extra color to the outfit. Sometimes, I borrow my husband’s giant messenger bag since it has plenty of room for snacks, wipes, drinks, Scooby-Doo, flower headbands and any other “essentials” my daughter likes me to carry.

I’ve taped a printout of Angie’s 10 formulas onto my closet door and they have been invaluable.

• Choose the right length: If you’re after one Winter coat, opt for a versatile length that’s just above, or on the knee so that it works over dresses, skirts AND pants. Mid-thigh coats are adorable but aren’t as versatile because they don’t look as nice over skirts and dresses. But there is room for both types of coat lengths in a wardrobe so don’t feel that you need to stick with only one.
• Think about what lies beneath: It’s extremely important to wear the appropriate layers underneath a coat when you fit it on. I like to layer the following items under a wool or puffer coat: camisole and/or thermal T, fine gauge knitwear, a lined tailored jacket like a blazer or biker jacket, and a bulky scarf. Yes! I layer a jacket underneath a coat. That way when I remove my coat indoors, I still look and feel chic. Also, I’ve found that the extra layer of a jacket under a coat offers superb insulation when temperatures drop below freezing. If you don’t feel the cold like I do, your layering techniques will differ. For example, if all you need is a chunky pullover underneath your coat, then that’s how you’ll fit for it.
• Check the sleeve length and shape: I like coat sleeves to end an inch over my wrist bone for extra cozy coverage. Make sure that the sleeves look graceful and aren’t too wide. No Michelin men please.
• Opt for a flattering collar: Most lasses look great in coats with revere collars and medium sized lapels. These types of collars shape into a “V” and are slimming and elongating. Peter pan collars tend to look juvenile and shirt collars aren’t quite as spiff unless the style is double breasted. Funnel necks and shawl collars are dramatic and edgy but stay away from them unless you have a longish neck.
• Make sure the coat can close: Unlike blazers and jackets, coats have to close and look good with multiple layers worn underneath. In order to accommodate the extra layers you might need to purchase a roomier silhouette, or size up in a sleek silhouette. It’s fine if there’s a little room in the coat when you’re not wearing as many layers. But not too much room! Unless you’re wearing a voluminous trapeze coat, the fit should skim the contour of your body with and without the layers. This sounds impossible to achieve, but it really is possible. That’s why you have to try on many, many coats and purchase layering items in the appropriate thicknesses.
• Avoid sloppy shoulder lines: The shoulder line of any coat should meet the edge of your shoulders. Too wide shoulders lose structure, while too narrow shoulders look like you’re bursting out of the coat.
• Test your mobility: Make sure you can reach, walk, lift and drive. Raise your arms and stretch them out in front of you. If the coat pulls and is uncomfortable, try the next size up. Check the overall fit and drape of the coat all buttoned up WITH all your layers in a three way mirror. Make sure that there is no pulling across the bottom either.

The colour and cut of a coat is up to you. Opting for a single breasted style with tailoring features like a nipped in waist, vertical seams and panels, a revere collar and slanted side entry pockets is flop proof and flattering. Waist belts and ties offer great structure but are not a must (remember to check whether the belt loops are in the right place).

Think twice about alterations because it’s expensive to alter a fully lined garment. Shortening the sleeve and overall length of the coat, swapping out the buttons, or repositioning buttons and belt loops, are worthwhile tailoring expenses. Anything else and you’re better off purchasing a new coat.

If you live in a cold part of the world, you might like to start a coat collection, adding a unique piece each season. Choose different lengths, colours, fabrications, styles and levels of warmth. A well fitting coat spells chic with a capital C and is always a good investment.

These are real life pictures of me at 8 months pregnant. I’m huge! Everyone I meet is expecting me to pop at any second and yet I know that I need to clothe my belly for another month.

My maternity fashion strategy is quite simple — keep following Angie’s blog to keep abreast of current trends and tips and pay special attention to her tried and true advice. I also know that I can rely on the wonderful ladies in the YLF forum for support and feedback on my maternity wardrobe efforts. And despite suffering from morning sickness, I began with the attitude and confidence that I could have a stylish pregnancy.

I reviewed my list of essential tips collected from Angie as I’ve followed her blog over the past few years:

• Cover the basics: Good posture, a well fitting bra, and a snappy hairstyle are the first things to pay attention to in your appearance. They must be given special consideration when you are pregnant because your belly will force you to adjust your posture, your bust will grow (usually starting around the middle of the pregnancy), and you may have less energy to devote to a complicated hair style. Other elements of polish like grooming and perfect pant lengths are low cost ways to keep your style quotient high even if your maternity capsule is small.
• Focus on comfort: Time and time again Angie has assured us that being stylish includes being comfortable. Particularly in pregnancy you will want to search out the cushy shoes, non restrictive clothing and lightweight accessories.
• Have fun with accessories: Handbags, jewelry, hats and watches will get ample use after the baby comes so treat yourself to those items to take your look up a notch.
• Include dresses: Dresses are one comfortable item to put on. Having a few in your closet is the answer for those days when you don’t want to think about what to wear.
• Consider investing in a favorite piece: Rather than purchasing a wardrobe of tent-y maternity items and feeling huge when you put them on, why not purchase a few investment pieces that make you feel like a million dollars? Wear them all the time and you will whittle the cost-per-wear down to nothing over the months that you’re pregnant. Both you and your baby will benefit from the feelings of well being.
• Know your individual style and fashion persona: If you consider fashion fun, dressing your pregnant body should be fun too. This is where your individual style and fashion persona come in, whether you pursue the trends and styles that were “you” pre-pregnancy or decide to explore more subtle aspects of your style that seem to surface with your changing body.
• Pay attention to lounge wear: If you have the misfortune to feel ill throughout your first trimester or even your entire pregnancy, you deserve some cute lounge wear. Even if you feel fine, there will be days when sitting on the couch is a wonderful use of your time. I want to make a special point that maternity lounge wear requires comfy slippers.

When creating my maternity wardrobe capsule I knew that applying Angie’s wealth of non-maternity wardrobe knowledge to a rapidly expanding belly would require a few adjustments. Here are the key elements to dressing a pregnant woman:

• Curves: Chances are all of your curves including the belly will naturally augment as your pregnancy progresses. Enjoy and flaunt your flourishing bust, hips and belly with v-necks, scoop necks and hip hugging styles. It is my belief that the larger belly counterbalances a more alluring look.
• Silhouette: Consider non-maternity voluminous silhouettes for when you’re not showing or want to hide a small belly. Loose clothing like sack dresses, banded bottom tops and voluminous tunics early on also serve the purpose of being extra comfortable when you are not feeling your best. Once your baby bump appears, flatter it with a sleek silhouette. In particular, highlight the narrowest part of your torso between your bust and belly and the curve on the underside of the belly or your hips. The larger your belly gets, the smaller these two areas will appear, so show them off! Remember that non-maternity straight or voluminous tops may become sleek as they drape around a larger belly.
• Stretch: Stretchy fabrications allow for lots of comfort, room to grow and the sleek silhouette you are after. Add side ruching to a stretchy maternity top or dress and you’ve got a super stylish maternity basic. Pregnancy may also be the one condition where growing denim is an advantage.
• Size: Keep in mind that your size may shrink during your first trimester and grow one or more sizes throughout the pregnancy. It is a bit of a balancing act to purchase for the body you have at present without discounting the body you will have in a few weeks or months. One thing I have found is that no matter what your height, very few tops will be long enough by the end of your pregnancy so always be on the lookout for long tops. Non-maternity jackets often work worn open but be careful that they fit through the shoulders and are large enough to be pulled closed over the bust.

Give yourself a break. Really take to heart the adage that fashion is an adjustment of the eye. Your body is changing a lot over a short period of time and it’s normal to feel less confident about it some days. Try these tips and adjust them as you see fit, giving yourself some time for your eye to adjust to your changing body.

I haven’t worn clogs since I was 15, but I still try them on for nostalgic reasons. My foot shape has changed over the years and now, clogs slide off my feet as I stride. My feet have to grip unnaturally hard to keep them on which gives me arch cramp, so that’s a no go for me. But I wholeheartedly believe that clogs have stylish potential. Wearing them with a cute casual outfit under a pair of boot cut or wide leg jeans, exposing just the tips of the toe box can look adorable. Some of the more refined and sleek clog styles lend themselves to straight legs too.

I have an extremely stylish 49 year old German friend who wears white clogs with lighter wash boot cut jeans (this is the same friend who wears a white ceramic Chanel watch). She too has fussy feet and clogs work for her when she’s on her feet for a long time. My friend rocks the look so I’m going with a stylish yay for clogs. As with all wardrobe items, it’s how you wear them that makes the difference. What’s your verdict on clogs?

Believe it or not, my friend’s white clogs are similar to the Dansko style (top left), but with a light brown wooden heel. And she is as chic and pulled together as it gets! Fabulous footwear designers like Donald Pliner, Paul Green and Stuart Weitzman have started showing clogs in their collections and the ped featured quite strongly in Fashion Week for Spring 2010. I have a hunch that we might see clogs come back for Spring. Perhaps I’ll even find a pair that stay on my feet.

• Priorities tartan blazer from bluefly for $84.15. I love it’s schoolboy blazer appeal and the fact that it’s green. What a breath of fresh air amongst a retail sea of black and grey.
• Laundry sateen military trench coat from bluefly for $117. 30. I have a black trench in this fabrication and it’s very versatile and appealing. Fabulous with jeans and converse sneakers, but just as great over a cocktail dress. The sheen, seam detailing and buttons add depth to an otherwise boring bit of black fabric. Attitude!
• Banana Republic ruched turtleneck for $34.99. This knit top is soft, fits well and is available in a variety of colours. It makes a good layering item if it’s too slinky to wear on its own.
• Ann Taylor pearl ribbon necklace for $29.99. Dress it up over a LBD, or dress it down over a T with a boyfriend blazer. With party season just round the corner, you might like to look at all of Ann Taylor’s spectacular baubles when you’re next in stores (you’ll get most of them for less with an online coupon).
• Nordstrom oxford brogue for $51.90. It’s casual, comfy, androgynous, and fab with a button-down shirt, pinstripe blazer, pretty scarf and lots of girly bling.

Happy shopping!

Here are the blogs of some of our forum members who post about their outfits each day. It’s super to read their descriptions and see their style.

• Kari from “In Kari’s Wardrobe”
• Sarah from “Let it Rain Again”
• Dawn from “A Dress and a Bike”
• Kristen from “Low Fat Dressing”
• Kendra from “Tomboy Fashion”
• Ana from “The Math Fashionista”
• Khris from “Chewy Spaghetti”

My favourite diary of daily outfits is by the fabulously colourful and theatrical Kasmira from “What I Wore Today“. Kasmira is in a league of her own, blogging solidly for more than three years about what she wears to work in down town Cincinnati, with the odd weekend occasion outfit thrown in just for fun. Her photographs and outfits have life, energy and soul. They are visually appealing, superbly taken and beautifully executed. I love Kasmira’s countless poses, fun facial expressions and dry sense of humour. The backdrops for the photos are just as gorgeous as the very lovely Kasmira herself. And if the blog isn’t impressive enough, Kasmira often takes her own pictures! I don’t know how she does it but I’m very impressed.

Do you read blogs about stylish gals that post what they wore each day? If so, which blogs do you read and why do you read them? If you’re a blogger who posts her daily ensembles, why do you love to post what you wore?

As a 44 year old mom of two teens, my biggest challenge is achieving that ambiguous state of style that we call “age appropriate.” I do not know which is worse: being the mom in the pickup lane who doesn’t try hard enough (showing up in sweats and her husband’s baggy tees), the one who tries too hard (squeezing into her daughter’s clothes), or the one who got stuck in the 80s and never left.

So when Angie first proposed wearing embellished T’s, Converse or boyfriend blazers, I dismissed each out of hand, thinking: “This is not for me. I am old enough to have teenagers who live in graphic tees and Converse and I already did the boyfriend blazer thing in my younger years!!!” But with lots of trepidation and some coaxing, I decided to give it a try. I learned how to pull off wearing all three, even all at once, and without looking like a teenager! You can, too.

Here is Angie’s formula:

Jeans + graphic / embellished T + boyfriend blazer + Converse sneakers

And here are my tips:

• Boyfriend Blazer: Because I’m only 5’0”, I was dubious about finding a boyfriend blazer that would not overwhelm me. But once you find one that’s scaled to your frame, structured on the shoulder, not too long, and with the stance in the right place, you’re good to go. Alternatively, this look will work with any structured blazer. The fact it is a blazer will automatically make the outfit “grown up.” Why? Very simple, because teens do not normally wear them! This is the item that pulls the outfit together and makes it look more sophisticated. Do experiment with your career clothing because I love the juxtaposition of a serious business suit jacket worn over a casual, whimsical tee. And what better way to make your wardrobe work double duty?
• Graphic T: Just because it’s an inexpensive T does not give an excuse to skimp on fit. While you’ll want to leave the cute sayings to the teens, it’s okay to express your interests and have fun. Do choose a flattering neckline and length. Alternatively, any nicer knit top or tunic will work. For a casual date-night look, try a dressier silk blouse and juxtapose feminine with masculine.
• Jeans: Try the look with dark wash or black boot cuts, straight legs, or skinny jeans. Ponte knit pants work too.
• Footwear: For a more “grown-up” look, stick with bootcuts or straight-legs when you wear Converse or fashion sneakers. When I wear my skinnies with a boyfriend blazer, I opt for ballet flats, but slouchy flat boots, loafers, brogues and booties will also work. I love the look with my metallic oxford booties. Yes, they are heels, but since I spend a lot of time schlepping teens around in the Toyota instead of my arms, I can get away with it. Not to mention, they and all their friends tower over me now, so I could use the extra inch or two of height to give me “mom” authority!
• Layering: Add a cami, cardigan, vest, scarf for extra warmth and interest. Think of your boyfriend blazer as you would any fall-weight jacket, but so much sharper than a Polar fleece or hoodie.
• Accessories: I like the look of a long necklace with the lean line of the boyfriend blazer. Or I skip it entirely and go with the ease of a simple pair of hoops. Add a watch if you wear one, and a cross-body bag, slouchy hobo, or tote in a fun color.

While there are many ways to incorporate a boyfriend blazer into your wardrobe, this formula is ideal for the Moms and gals on the go because it is casual, comfortable, practical, and so easy. Above all, I love how the blazer gives me authority when dealing with teens that are taller than me. So over to you. Are you willing to give this formula a try? Let’s hear your opinions on formula #5.

I like to roll up the sleeves for attitude. The purple T advertises my favorite theater group’s recent production. It works when the blazer is added to give structure. Since my lifestyle involves lots of taxi-driving these days, I can also wear this formula with heels too.

As always the devil is in the details when it comes to finding a flattering silhouette. Here are some guidelines to help you find the right boyfriend blazer:

• Colour: Solid black or charcoal grey are the obvious choices, but pinstripes, false plains, or any neutral will work.
• Styling: Stick to single breasted styles because they’re flop proof. A long lean line is created in front of the body when a single breasted style is left un-buttoned, which is super slimming. Double breasted cuts are adorable and very ‘80’s, but harder to wear.
• Fit: For an authentic boyfriend blazer look, you’re after a bit of boxyness in the waist area. But slimmer cut styles are available if you’d prefer to define the waist. Either way, make sure that the fit is snug through the shoulders and that the garment drapes well. It’s important to keep a strong shoulder with this silhouette, especially if you’re going for the boxy look. This will give your outfit the necessary structure.
• Length: Lengths will vary from shrunken styles that graze the hip bone to longer lengths that cover the bottom. The taller you are, the longer you can go. If you’re extra petite, opt for a shorter length. Wearing heels with the look will also help to elongate the leg line.
• Button positioning: I see this style worn open unless it’s belted. For this reason the stance of the jacket (where the highest button on a jacket hits the chest) should be high in order to add structure to the shoulder line. Lower stances work on tall gals and larger bust lines. But if you’re after a flop proof look, opt for a jacket with a stance positioned just under the bust or a couple of inches below that.
• Sleeve detailing: Boyfriend jackets are all about scrunching, or rolling up sleeves to show lining detail. Contrast lining is fun but self colour lining works just as well. Both add an interesting textural dimension to the outfit.
• Fabrication: Woven wool blend suiting fabrics are great, but so are cotton blends, tweeds and herringbones. Knitted blazers are also available for as extra casual look.

I adore my woven single-breasted black boxy boyfriend blazer with self colour lining. I personally prefer the item with volume because it looks more androgynous. I opted for the self colour lining because its more versatile (can be dressed up or down). But if you’re after a more casual look, contrast lining is the way to go.

If you still can’t get your head around the boxy 80’s boyfriend blazer, there’s room to cheat. Sport a regular fitted suit blazer and roll up or scrunch up the sleeves. Bobs your uncle.

An assortment of boyfriend blazers, some are shorter and more tailored than others. The voluminous aspect of the boyfriend blazer is forgiving, relaxed and comfortable, yet you gain a bit of dressy structure because it’s a jacket. I have trendier Mums and gals on the go in this item and they’re happy as clams because it’s a nice change to the cardigan. Surprisingly, my older modern classic clients are loving the look too.

“Marianna embodies the Maxxinista persona with her creative, joyful sense of style and her proven ability to express her modern-classic style on a tight budget. I loved all her looks, so it was tough to narrow it down to just one, but I felt she took some risks with the winning look and that’s what made it my favorite.

Marianna’s mustard yellow sweater embodies the warm, rich hues of Fall and glows in contrast to her rich blue indigo jeans. Her cropped gray jacket fits beautifully and adds structure to the ensemble, while her gorgeous demi-wedge boots are both classic yet totally on-trend–and they look comfortable enough to stand in all day! Marianna’s flawless hair and makeup add the finishing touches to her polished look.

Runner up: Greenglove looks absolutely fierce in her leather jacket, colorful blouse and killer boots. Her tousled hair and bohemian jewelry add attitude and personalize the look. She looks fun, fearless, creative and artistic. In a nutshell, Greenglove’s outward appearance translates into making her someone you’d want to get to know!” — Dianna

Congratulations, Marianna! Happy shopping and keep sporting your fabulous Maxxinista style. Well done Greenglove for coming in as runner up! Your arty and eclectic way of dressing is always inspirational. A big thank you to the Budget Babe for taking the time to judge our competition. Dianna, you rock.

These are Marianna’s other top Maxxinista looks. No prizes for guessing that I have a soft spot for the frock, pearls and leather jacket ensemble, but it’s the outfit above with the mustard yellow sweater that won the competition. Well done.