the FASHION thread

abbadoodles

Just bumped the Makeup thread for Virginia.

London-Virginia

Hi there - always nice to catch up with you!   I live in central London and I am pretty certain we don't have either Sephora or Anastasia here at all.  Would it be poss for you to check out their address or something in the States so I have something I can fruitfully google please?  It sounds just the thing.

We have a perfect warm Autumn day here in London and I just went to a delightful church fete right here on the river (Thames) and bought lavish quantities of home made jams, marmalades, and coffee cake!!.  Which is actually why I now feel rather sick.  (and nothing to do with chemo..!)

I am astonished at the vast quantity of food that I eat at present, without really putting on an excess amount of weight.  I allow myself to pig out the 1st week after chemo, then cut back to proper eating, but nevertheless I only have put on 4 lbs since I started chemo which isn't that much considering all the chemical effects.  Chocolate ice cream is fantastically good for your tummy and also mood  right after chemo treatment - I recommend it girls!!!

thanks for your help -

xxxxxxxxx

Anonymous

Go to this link:  http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P109200&categoryId=B70 and check that out - it is the brow kit.  I think it will do what you are looking for.

Oh, chocolate cures everything!!

London-Virginia

You are the sweetest thing!  This is fab - I'll get right onto it and pass on the link too - very much appreciated.

 The sun continues to shine and I just looked out onto the Thames and the young couple on the houseboat were kissing in the afternoon sun as the swans drifted past.............

 aaaah

 It-'s a funny thing about ice cram and chocolate and stuff...........I have always been a cheese girl and for keeping slim reasons not ever ate much choc, but it really does have its place............

One other hair tips some of you may like - I have long hair and of course the ends do get dry.  I use olive oil which makes hair really shiny and thickens it.  You just slop it on wherever you want, stick a plastic bag over your hair (not entire head obviously...........) leave if for at least an hour (you could leave it a lot longer) then rinse, shampoo out and voila.....   The best olive oil to use is single virgin Greek.  IT could help your scalp too.  IT doesn't leagve a smell.

All the best girls -

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KAK

We bellieve in chocolate here on bco, especially dark chocolate for me.  And did you know that if you get a good brand of bittersweet chocolate chips, each one only has 5 calories?  That's my 'medicinal' chocolate!

Virginia, good tip!  My hairdresser told me much the same thing.  Maybe you could have someone make a wig out of your long hair now before chemo makes it fall out.  Good luck with everything.

KAK

Just bumping my peeps.

EWB

ok ladies, not sure where to post this question....after another struggle in the shower with the razor, and me being on the losing end yet again...I am raising the white flag and looking into electric razors. Any info, suggestions or advice on brands?

Thanks

Raye99

Where are all of the fashionistas? Received my visa bill Saturday, holy geez. No more shopping for me except items of the extremely necessary nature. Did buy a $30 faux leather bomber jacket at TJ last week. Very cute. Cropped, black faux leather.

Raye 

LisaSDCA

"items of the extremely necessary nature" - like what, Raye - boots and shoes? 

Your jacket sounds cute and a real bargain! My VISA has been safe from clothing purchases since I have ballooned up from nearly ELEVEN straight months on the evil Decadron. I think I might start to have to buy wardrobe basics in my current totally unsatisfactory, huge size. I kept expecting to be okay to go that off of that $hit, and then more tumors, more neurosurgery, more cerebral edema etc.conspired to keep me on.

I've already had to buy undies, and I've got ONE new bra that fits (don't wear one that often, but still...) and I need to go further and buy some real clothes. Suggestions for basics to get me through the chilly weather anyone? I've got one windbreaker and one long trenchcoat that fit. And two (one black, one the color of my old English saddle) fabulous leather jackets that I don't have a prayer of getting into. And that's just outerwear, thank the Lord we don't get freezing weather here!

Thanks for posting, Raye. It just would't do to have Tina come back to silence...

Lisa

Anonymous

I'm here!  I found some really cute boots at Century 21 in NYC this weekend.  Tan, slightly slouchy, just barely midcalf, with a slightly rounded toe and the cutest wooden heel, not too high, and they were very comfy and not expensive - around $40 from $180.  Also got a pair of black flats that are soft leather, with a leather ruffle at the toe that also has silver studs throughout.  Like wearing slippers, so comfortable, and again, since they were from Century 21, only $29.  Bargain!!!!

Didn't find too many clothing items in NY, but wasn't really on a super big mission, I was more about soaking up the weather and the styles - I am very glad I brought my black leggings and knee length black leather boots I got in Italy last fall - wore them both nights out, first with a large gray sweater tunic, and the second time with another tunic top.  Since I won't be able to wear boots comfortably in Florida for a few more months, I was relishing the ability to do that!  Plus, wearing a scarf here is silly unless it's cold, so I was able to layer and wear my different scarves.  Yay fall!

Did get a great bracelet set at H&M for $12.99 - it has 5 burnished gold bangles, some stretchy, some embossed circles, and it also came with two big wooden cuff bracelets, one in dark brown and one in camel with gold chain in the middle.  Cute!!

Raye99

"Extremely necessary" - food and shelter. And clothing. HA. All I really need are some jeans, although on the weekends I typically wear leggings and a big sweater.

Lisa, speaking of leggings - what about some warm leggings with a long, tunic type sweater to get you through the winter (more than one of each of course)? Just a thought. You want to be comfortable and I find jeans not that comfortable at all. What type of clothing are you looking for? I hope they get you off of that necessary evil Decadron soon, Lisa.I think about you often.

My cousin was on Prednisone for many months for her mets and when they finally took her off of it, she dropped 30 lbs in about 3-4 weeks.

Michelle, those flats sound adorable, as does the bracelet! You've already been to New York for your event? Please tell us all about it? How was the photoshoot, interview, your talk????

This morning it was 49 degrees out so I wore my new raincoat with a light scarf, which is black with beautiful blue flowers. Also got to wear tights. love that.  

Raye

KAK

I'm trying to figure out if I can afford to work less than full time, so I really need to stick to the necessities!  But I had to see my surgeon last Fridayu (just a check up on the Provigil) and I had to continue my tradition of a post-surgeon shopping expedition.  LOL  So I picked up a couple of really cute, soft cotton jersey tops, one of which I could wear to work, so that was my justification...

The Provigil is not really working anymore, I'm sorry to say, but the fatigue study guys say it's probably that I'm not taking enough.  When I'm done with the study, one of them can treat me for the fatigue.  He provides supportive care services for their cancer center, so it's perfect.  Worth me driving to Connecticut.  I haven't found anyone in Rhode Island who really knows how to treat this.

Sweater weather, Raye!  That's for sure.  Chelev, when does your make-over happen?

London-Virginia

Ladies - what splendid retail therapy folk you are!  I have not competed this week, but I did have three scoops of coffee ice cream this afternoon!

Anonymous

Yay ice cream!!!

abbadoodles

Lisa, how chilly does it get in SD?  Maybe if I knew I could suggest something although I do like the idea of leggins or knit pants (tight-fitting) with long tops and tunics over them.  You just have to try to avoid looking like one of Santa's elves.  That goes for ALL of us!

BTW, I will be in your town the beginning of November.  Am planning on dipping my toe in the Pacific for the first time since about 1968.  I've been back to California a few times since then but never made it to the ocean.  And, I've NEVER been to SD.  Can't wait!

Michelle, YES!  Did you have your NYC interview and functions yet?  We are dying to hear all about it if you did.  You should try to hook up with BethNY when you are in town.

Kathi, I hear ya on the retail therapy.  I'm going to Natick tomorrow to pick up some stuff at the Container Store that I ordered online.  I am saving about $56 in shipping by picking up at the store!  I figure the trip will cost me less than $10 round trip and I get to go to the Natick Collection and SHOP while I'm at it!!!  WooHoo!

Did I tell you that I wore my new metallic bronze booties a couple of weeks ago?  Paired them with a tight, funky top and jeans and dubbed it my "slightly slutty" look.  I don't know if I impressed my librarian friends.........

London-Virginia

Wow - paddling in the sea on the West Coast - how I envy you!!!  Have a paddle and and ice cream for me please!

xxxx 

Raye99

Kathi - the soft jersey tops sound perfect, not to mention therapeutic! Good job. I am sorry that the Provigil is not working. BAH!!!

Tina - your slightly "slutty look" sounds terribly cute and street wise! Love it. Are you on some sort of library retreat?

I pledged to shop shopping to no avail; however, I am looking for bargains. I bought a pair of cute cute black Michael Kors cords at TJ for $39. Today, I bought a cute pair of clogs (love them in the winter to wear with jeans or cords) that have a bit of a Mary Jane look. Posted link below. Also, bought a cute newsboy cap with a flower on the brim. Now I am done! heh.

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=390167&CategoryID=13621

Raye99

London Virginia - I meant to ask you. Do you live right in London? I've always wanted to visit the UK. My great grandmother (we called her nanny) was from Cornwall England.

London-Virginia

Raye, I live slap in the middle of London, but my family are Cornish and we trace back in Cornwall for thee last 700 years!

Cornwall has a fabulous coastline and lovely countryside and one fine day you should go there.

Very good ice cream too!

xxxx 

LisaSDCA

Tina - it gets cool here in SD, but rarely cold. I can get away with a sweater (and leggings) and no jacket. Even so, the occasional day in December is balmy and sunny. Sunny most days, the rainy season starts about Halloween, give or take a week or two. But 'rainy season' means approx. 9", total.

Water gets cool here in the Pacific, but tourists go in all the time.  How long will you be here? I'll only be out of the hospital 2wks (brain surgery) but I'll try to get out to meet you on my scooter. if possible.

Santa elves are not an issue for me - I'm 5'10". I have enough padding to resemble Mrs. Claus however! Who makes long tunic tops, long enough for me? I need them down to fingertip length at least. And the decadron belly makes clingy out of the question. Grrr.

Lisa

barbe1958

Lisa, are you getting streamers for your scooter handle bars? That might distract from the driver....

abbadoodles

Hey, Lisa!  I come from New England where the water is always freezing so I'm used to it but I doubt I will be swimming in the Pacific.  No time for that.  Dipping a toe will do.  Just to say I did. LOL

Why not look for flow-y dresses and shorten them a bit if necessary to ideal tunic length.  I see lots of things like that in the mags.

Virginia, Cornwall sounds divine!  And, I think you have a serious ice cream problem. 

Raye, keep everyone on their shopping toes.  We are depending upon you for style tips.  And, no, not a librarians' conference, just book peoples' gathering.

Okay, off on my shopping mission.

Raye99

Cornwall does sound devine. And your family goes back 700 years - that is awesome. I will have to ask my mom how far back our family goes.

Lisa, my girlfriends and I like to wear a shress (defined below) with leggings. Essentially, a shress is a shirt too long to wear tucked in, but not really long enough for a dress, hence the need for leggings. Sometimes, they can be down to knee length. Here is the definition from the Urban Dictionary - in which they do a much better job describing the shress (although they are not always (if ever!) frilly.

shress
	August 24, 2009 Urban Word of the Day An article of clothing that is a mix between a shirt and a dress. Best described as those frilly tops that girls wear over jeans or tights and often wear boots along with them. Vanessa looked great in her bright green shress and matching boots. Forever 21 has a lot of shresses.

KAK

I visited San Diego once years ago and had a wonderful time.  I love Balboa Park, with all the museums and flowers and cafes.   Loved the Zoo.  Loved riding around.  But Lisa, what's this about brain surgery?  And I will refrain from making a silly joke.  Are you serious?  What is going on?  Good lord, I'd rather lose my boobs than have someone  have to muck about in my brain.  Good golly.  I hope you're okay.

Raye, I think I bought a shress or two recently.  Finally have taken some pix of recent shopping expeditions.  

Black shirred top from recent post-surgeon visit:

blue scoop neck, same trip, it's inside out but you get the idea; very drapey

 side and front views of the gladiator shoes I bought at DSW for the Amazon self-portrait I have planned;  in some states, I'm sure these would get you arrested

 layer dress, on sale at the shop called "Therapy" - good dress for the boobless or near-boobless; comes to just above the knee

Vera Wang dress I got for $20 at Kohl's; has a tie for the waist also; comes to the knee

violet "shress" -- this is very nice, tho' hard to see the color here; has pockets, comes to maybe six inches above mid-knee, just slightly cling-y but not too cling-y

EWB

love the shoes/sandles. Saw then in DSW the other day and thought about getting them but wondered about the weather. Maybe I should go back and get them for next yr.

Maybe shopping therapy would be good for me today....although that means I have to change out of comfy pjs and take a shower and everything  

KAK

Tough choice, Elaine!!  Listen, tho', those shoes have, like 5" heels, so you have to have good feet and good ankles to walk even 2 feet in them!!  I have years of ballet, which is how I get away with wearing stuff like that.  But I sure wouldn't go for a stroll in them!!  Don't worry about the weather either.  I consider them strictly indoor shoes.  They are shoes that you use to start something, if you catch my drift.  So, you won't have to be wearing them for long....

EWB

, also yrs of ballet & modern (Martha Graham) so that part is ok....maybe I should get them anyway...kiddies are all off at college now and dh & I are really enjoing the quiet.

now my choice is nap, or change & shopping...its a cool grey day (at least inside..not sure what outside temps are)

Raye99

Kathi - Love all of your shresses - especially the brown and last one (I think it is black?). The shoes! Now those are some gladiators. Sexy.

Elaine - if it were me, I would stay snuggled up at home with a good book. You can go shopping on a brighter, warmer day.

Today, the weather is somewhat nice, sunny and mild, but I don't have the inclination to leave my office for some reason, but I went out shopping the last two miserable, cold, rainy days.

EWB

Oh my---can't believe what I did. This morning I noticed in my calendar that I wrote 9:45, nothing else. hmmm I wonder what that was for. Oh well I think, I'll get a call if I was suppose to be some place. 20 minutes ago, just as I decided a warm soak and nap was the plan for the rest of my day, I get a call from onc's office.....   yes, we all know where this is going...that 9:45 was for appointment for onc, bloodwork and Lupron.... crumb.... Have never missed appointment in the past 2 3/4 yrs. Now I have to hang out to see if onc just wants me to go in get blood work and lupron OR  all that plus him and when that can be squeezed in today or tomorrow.Shopping will have to wait. DH is out of town Friday thru Sunday and I don't have much planned.....

Anonymous

Cute cute cute tops and dresses!!!!  Loved the layered, shirred dress!

Okay, here are some photos from the Dreamball I was at last week.  As you can see, my "thrilled" expression says it all that I was not happy with the overdone makeup - I can do so much better myself, and if I had time, would have redone my face to be elegant, not like this.  Oh well - the dress and accessories looked great!!" mce_src="" mce_src="" alt="" border="" hspace="" vspace="" width="" height="" align="" />" alt="" border="" hspace="" vspace="" width="" height="" align="" />

Hoda Kotb, from the Today Show, is in the center of the group.  The women I met - the other 4 winners, were so wonderful and had amazing stories.  The gorgeous girl in the red is only 26 years old - and we had so many similar attributes, people thought we were related.