Hiatus is over...Let's do some Face time!

So when I say "hiatus is over" that means I finally have a working computer! I have a mini ipad, two other lap tops, and my daughter's mac book... all did an "86" almost simultaneous this week which left me...yep with out access to emails, blogging, twitter, facebook and the news! Felt completely disconnected to the outside social world.... but I am BAAAACCCCCK. Sorta, hahaha... mini ipad, still disabled, and one lap top still on the Fritz but I have the mac book!... so here I am.

So let's talk face time... on the heels of 50 (no pun intended) I have noticed that when I look in the mirror, there is someone else looking back...who is she? I see a resemblance of the girl I used to know, that I would critique even at 20, 30 and 40 years old, but in my later forties and at the beginning of a new generation, someone a bit different. Do you remember when you really noticed a difference, when the sagging around the jowls started, when the lids of your eyes started to droop, when the laugh lines around your mouth became  a permanent fixture to your face??? The list goes on. I'm not gonna lie, I'm vain, when it comes to my face, I see my youth fading away slowly but I feel more youthful inside than ever. Yet,standing side by side to my young 19 year old daughter whose skin is supple, and her eyes are bright and wrinkle free and I see what I used to be. I took for granite I would always be that girl, so it's  hard to have a daily reminder that I no longer possess those attributes. The saying you should be proud of your life lines, they are "earned", well that is a crock of shit. Sorry, but the only way I could live with that saying is if I had post-it notes next to each of my "earned" lines. Each would state it's reward, such as the frown lines between my eyes would state, "Lines earned from worry, wondering if kids will be safe while driving, will they be okay when they move away, will they be happy full filled adults, will my husband have a safe business trip, will the back yard ever get a make over, can we afford to paint the house"? the list goes on forever... Oh and the lines around my eyes would state that, "These lines are earned from squinting because I can no longer see the print in magazines, newspapers etc, without squinting and I do not like wearing glasses, I am in denial."  The only lines I feel I have earned are the laugh lines... I do believe in smiling and laughing a lot. Life is too short not to make the most of what ever you are doing and I pride myself in making sure those around me are happy, so that post it would be a worthy one fo sho!
So, the vain woman that I am, has spent at least a year of college tuition over the past decade...yep  that could have gone towards one of my kids tuition's, or a really amazing vacation with a new wardrobe to boot or a new car, but NOOOOOO, I have spent it on my FACE! And while many anti-aging concoctions have worked in the short term, I am always looking for the miracle potion to bring me back to my youth.
I have not tried the fillers or botox, I am so afraid of looking like a deer in head lights or the lips that look like you inflated them with  a tire pump,  that my husband wouldn't recognize me and that I'd  feel worse off than before, so  I  will keep it on the side lines for now.
This is all probably a bit over exaggerated, I still am young and vibrant and know I am just hard on myself, for I believe most of us feel we are compared to those who have done the face lifts, botox and fillers that we look older and less attractive than our peers that we are some how diminished in societies eyes as not being as attractive. If we all would be in the same "playing" field  so to speak I think my view point on myself would be less harsh, but these are the times. In my mom's generation, you never heard of botox... everyone was the same, only difference is whether you were gifted with some good genes.
So at this point in my life I will try and be more gentle to the face in the mirror, cut her some slack, look beyond the post it notes and just know that while I may have "earned" these life lines, I am more than just a face, I am a wife, mother, sister, friend who will no doubt be awarded with more lines, but it just goes to show...I'm loving my life.

xoxo Mari

                                                                   

Gettin my Mojo in Steinbeck Country...

Almost every day I am graced by the amazing rolling hills just a few miles away that have miles upon miles of dirt paths in which to explore and self reflect. I am always in awe of where I live and never take it for granite. I run in the hills for which John Steinbeck used as his muse in many of his books such as Pastures of Heaven and East of Eden, of Salinas, California., where he himself grew up.

I know a lot of runners do a lot of thinking on their runs, go thru their mental check list for the day, solve many problems etc. For me? I do the same, yet I also remember to stay connected with my surroundings, breathing in the fresh smells of the country side and watching as the sun moves across the hills and sets for the day. There are a few times a year that a sheep herder will guide the sheep where I run. They work feverishly feeding on the grass and taking space along the rolling paths, it is the most incredible feeling to be able to run amongst the sheep, I always feel like I am in another country it is so peaceful and takes you back to the real grass roots of our what is important in life and that there is so much going on around us that goes unnoticed. I feel a sense of Zen as I run and I seem to effortlessly float across the paths and a sense of connection with the universe. It is almost magical and the great thing about it? I get my mojo on AND a great work out!
Thanks Steinbeck for sharing the beauty that surrounds me every morning!

 

 

xoxo Mari

Fall Staple...the "And Then Some" staple...

Okay, so don't just a over 40 on this one...actually I'm on the cusp of 50 but whose tellin? Listen, I believe every one has an alter ego that they bring out every once in a while, well, this "staple" is just that...my alter ego. I am such a classic type dresser. just ask my 19 year daughter. I do love a classic with a twist but I tend to stay in the classic arena of choice. I have always, and I mean always admired Audrey Hepburn, she is my idol and I tend to not steer to far in her shadow. But, I do have the other side of me that longs for the rebel to come out and play! I just have to be very cautious on how it is perceived.
I was fortunate enough to go to the Met Museum this summer on a mother/daughter trip and we could not wait to see the 'Punk: Chaos To Couture' Exhibit. Can I say, that made our trip, like no, really I could have died right there and all would have been great. OMG, the outfits where so jaw-dropping amazing that I was left utterly speechless( which never happens). I yearned to be anyone of those designers; Alexander McQueen, Mocshino, Dior, Channel etc. What I would give to create those masterpieces is unsurpassed by the  desire to BE one of them. I appreciate talent as theirs, to take on a rebirth of the 70's from Vivienne Westwood's collaboration with the Sex Pistols and other Punk musician at the time to construct a kinda D.I.Y. creations. I wanted to take all the pieces home, I sincerely did. I never knew I had a deep connection with this era, but I have always wanted to look different, yet refined than those around me. I mean barring wearing a

lot of spikes and nose rings etc., i really don't mind all the safety pin closures, and metal embellishments.

I really wanted to come home, and I did/have looked into designing an Urban/Edgy line ...but that will be saved for another day... I get so side track. I have a pic of myself in my conservative look and my inspirations for the look. I hope you enjoy...

                                                                My Inspirations


My Interpretation


Okay so its conservative... I know...believe me I would like to walk around with safety pin closures, but you all would definitely judge me!

Dress by Kensie, boots by Zara, tights by Anthropologie

xoxo Mari

Fall Fashion Staples...and then some...the vested interest

So the vest has been in for centuries, as far back as the 17th century England with the reign of Charles II. The sleeveless garment that is worn over some type of shirt has increased in popularity ever since. At times, men’s vests were considered an indispensable part of men's wardrobes making both a style statement and providing functionality. Then at the turn of the 20th Century men's vest played a major role in business suits and formal wear.
Well what does this have to do with you, you ask? Well I'm gonna tell you...we women have taken a lot of men's wear and turned into major fashion statements over the past century, and this season with a comeback to a more masculine concept, vests play a role once again.
They are shown in many shapes, sizes, colors, textures and worn in a varietal of ways. long and fury to cozy up in, light weight versions as an accent, vest trench coats as a fashion statement...the list goes on. Have fun with it, take a vested interest this season and one to your closet...

I chose to pair my sweater vest with denim and gave it an edgy twist with

leather pants and then softened it with mules.

 

 

My Inspiration

 

 

 

 

Sweater vest and leather pants by Urban Outfitter, denim shirt by

Anthropologie, belt by Target and Mules by Caruso

 

 

xoxo Mari

Fall Fashion Staple and then some....Staple 3: Black and White

Class, Elegance and ready to roll is what black and white bring to our closets. It just shouts "Smart".
I don't know anyone that doesn't' own several inter changeable black and white outfits that they just feel pulled together in every time they wear it. For some it becomes their uniform for others it is their "safe" outfit of choice when they can't seem to make a decision on what to wear.
I just love to wear all black or all white or mix it up, then just add a splash of color either with accessories, stilettos or a purse. You just look amazing! So this season and the next and the next black and white in some sort of version will always be in...so at least you know you have something in your closet that you can wear, just buy the new trend colors for the season like this season for example you could splash a really amazing Kate Spade clutch in a pop of orange, or a scarf or

 with a cardi and viola, your in girl! You can go glam, you can go retro, you can go trendy, you can go classic...you call it.

No matter what you do, stay true to you... You will always dazzle if your rockin your look cuz you feel amazing in it.

My Inspiration

 

 

Cardigan, blouse, earring by Anthropologie, pants, belt by J. Crew,

 necklace- personal vintage gold watch, sunglasses by Prada

 

 

xoxo Mari

Fashion Fall Staples and then some...Staple 2: LEATHER

Whewhoo! I love leather and love the fact that it never really goes out of style, but this season? Its BIG! So for us over 40 or on the cusp of 50...Leather can be tricky if not worn correctly. Its fine to wear a leather skirt, not a mini one, a pencil or A-line that hits just above or below the knee is perfect. And lets no pair it with spiked embellished heels unless you are going in costume, keep it classy, let the skirt do the talking, no need to shout out that you are in the room, believe me, people will notice you. Leather pants? great too, just don't do the whole biker look unless you are with the Hell's Angels and don't mind wondering if you are in a serious mid-life crisis. Again, keep it simple, soften up your look with lace, silk or a really nice cashmere sweater. I still love to feel young, cause gosh darn it, I'm going down with a fight. Age is a number, don't you forget it, live life to the fullest and add some zest to it, like some leather!

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                   My Inspiration

 

 

                                                                             

 

Jacket and pants by Urban Outfitters, blouse, necklace and belt by J. Crew, shoes by Caurso and earrings by Anthropologie.

                                     xoxo Mari

Just had to add my two cents...Emmy Red Carpet

Okay so, I am no fashion red carpet glam queen ,but I feel with the years of experience I have had in the industry, I just could NOT keep my big mouth shut on my thoughts of some of the celebs...

Like the celebs below... What were they thinking and who styled them? Fire your stylist!

 What was the stylist thinking? Of Zosia Mamet's boobs?  That is seriously all you notice and the poor thing is just smiling thinking everyone is looking at me I must look fantastic!

 

 

 Julianne Hough, you are too pretty and this does absolutely nothing for you. It looked great on the catwalk, but on you? No way.

 

 

 As much I think Julianna Margulies is absolutely gorgeous, what was YOUR stylist thinking too? That color does nothing for you, yes you have black hair and you could probably pull it off, but it blends into you skin tone and washes you way out girl. But I love you!

 

 

Oh boy...so a pop of color is in, yes that is true, but wow...that is all you notice...where did the rest of you go? Does your stylist not know about colors and what works for your skin tones? sorry Anna Faris

Wow first of all, it does not fit correctly around the hips, secondly, she does look like she is ready to film a sequel to Star Wars, but I thought there were no sequels. sorry, but you did not make the cut.

 

 

 

 

So the next celebs are just plain boring. Flat out boring. They are gorgeous but boring...

 

 

 

 Uh.. this looks close to a maid of honors dress, but with not bling. Ms. Allison Wilson you are too damn pretty to be mediocre...show off your figure for Pete sakes!

 

 

 Zoey, Zoey, Zoey...your stylist got the color right but, this is way too stuffy for you and your personality. Yes, you look beautiful, cuz you could wear a sack and look gorgeous, but really?

 

 

 

 

 Carrie, this is a striking color purple, very regal as you are, but honey...this dress looks like a boring Prom dress, you too have an amazing figure...where it go?

 

 

 

Emily, hate to tell ya girl, but you look like the Mother of the Bride, not a young and vibrant actress that you are.... Fire your stylist!

 

 

Now the next ones...Some good, some not so good....

 

 Mindy Kaling was stunning! You rocked it girl and you obviously have a great stylist...keep her.

 

 

 

Maria...great body...nice color...you were a hit... you hot momma you! Classy.

 

 

 

 Lena Heady, not liken the white shoes...red maybe...but white? Buuuuut the dress? I liked it... not everyone could pull that off, but I think you did! Nice job!

 

 

 

Paula...where did the boobs go? the color? ugly, the bow? ugly. the huge spread between the chest" wrong. Face and hair...beautiful!

 

 

 

 

So, like I said, I am not the fashion police...just my personal

red carpet opinion...take or leave it.

 

xoxo Mari

The Evolving Waistline...

Just like our closets, our way of "dieting" also evolve constantly. How many different "diet" plans or way of life eating have you tried? I think its safe to say most of us have tried at least 5 in our life times. Since I am of Italian decent, short in stature(5' 1" on a good day) I have counted my calories, increased my workout routine, deprived myself of all that I wish for in food just so that I can look myself in the mirror and say, "okay...so I see effort, but ya could do betta." I swear in my next life I am coming back with legs that are never ending, just so I have more to fill them with; Pizza,  Pasta Bolognese, Cannoli's, Nachos, Enchiladas with lots of sauce and cheese, Cobb Salad, Cheesecake, Carrot cake, Doritos, Fried Rice and I could seriously go on forever. But NO, at almost 50, the metabolism changes, starts to slow, the fat distribution has its on party all over your body settling where it damn well pleases, and you are left with what? An Italian who looks like she is in a sausage casing? So yeah, I have had to work my dego fanny off ever since I can remember. If I even looked at water... 5 pounds, that has been my life, thanks ma.
I have always had eating issues per say, I mean my diet consisted of popcorn, roasted peanuts and wine (literally) all thru my single years . Then I got married and truly had no clue what a wife was supposed to cook, nor did I think I had much time in my day after changing diapers, cleaning and re-cleaning the house, go to "mommy and me" classes,  playing, reading, taking walks, doing what your supposed to do as mom, and yet by the time my husband walked in the door and I handed over the kids, all I wanted to do was take a bath and have a glass of vino. So our meals consisted of cheese quesadillas, cuz it was easy of course. Well, my husband and I couldn't figure why our waistlines were growing... all we were eating were quesadillas for pete sake so, how could one measly cheese laden masterpiece could make us pudgballs? But we were, so I had to evolve into a more "mature" version of what I was given and create balance and variety instead of the understated lazy meal I called dinner. So I introduced, pasta. You can do a lot with pasta ya know?  Red sauce, Primavera, Pesto, Meat Sauce, Garlic, basil, salt and peppa... I mean you can make a million different recipes, also noodles change it up too! Tortellini, Penne, Rigatoni, Linguine, Spaghetti, and on and on. Well that lasted a while until... yup the waist wasn't shrinking. We were not Big people by any means, but we were both holding onto at least 5-7 pounds more that what our body needed or wanted. So then, I went to salads... yes, we were getting our greens and felt healthier, after two weeks of salad this way and that, he said he could no longer go on living like a rabbit, we needed to take alittle of everything that I was making in the past, and make smaller versions and serve it like a REAL meal. Wow... what a concept right? Well, that was more work and time, but I got the hang of it and started mixing it up a bit and life slowly went back to normal.
Well, move forward 15 years and a TV in the kitchen and wallah! I wanted to make new meals almost every night and gourmet ones on top of that! The family loved it...I had finally become the Martha Stewart of our home. It was great, until my new job required more time from me and I just couldn't keep up the same pace. What I did need was more of exercise. I had been running 2 -4 miles everyday for the past 15 years, and yes... the metabolism just thinks hey, that's nice, same old same old. So nothing changed, but my metabolism sure changed.... hahaha the laugh was on me! New job, no longer having the time or desire to be Mrs. "Martha Stewart", but I did need to clear my mind! So I upped my jogging routine to 5 miles and some pilates on the side and wow...what a difference! I went from being 114 pounds almost my entire high school thru kids etc., to weighing 108! And on a 5 footer that is a whole size....
So all and all, yes, we evolve just like our closets, we experiment with clothes, just like our eating habits and exercise routines to find a good happy place where we can live with the clothes we have and the body we have, at least while the trends and metabolism are in sync.

Fashion Staples for Fall and then some...Staple One~ The Blazer

Okay so yes, we all know we need the go-to blazer in our closet, and most already own one or two or what ever. BUT, this season as always, there is that twist. Plaid is the pattern of choice, either in an Equestrian or Militaristic cut worn with a pencil skirt, denim of choice, even leather are great pairings.
I love a good blazer that I can thrown on with what I may be wearing at the time. I live along the coast and there is always a need for a jacket/blazer that I can count on to go with what ever, at any given time. The fog rolls in when it dam well pleases,  so it's  great in the summer months as a good air conditioner, but it does seem to creep up at the best part of the day and really makes a good picnic at the beach rather dismal at best, but i for one still like to look pulled together no matter what! Really, you dress it up over a LBD, a white T and jeans, a leather skirt or straight leg pants and a white silk blouse, add a colorful scarf for added pizazz and viola, you got yourself one heck of an outfit to go just about anywhere!

                                                               My Inspiration

My Interpretation

                Plaid blazer by ZARA, white T by AEX, belt and earring by Anthropologie, jeans by Free People, and shoes by Nine West.            


 xoxo Mari

The Virgin rises AGAIN...

Okay so this is ridiculous, I mean when you "schedule" a blog to appear a certain day and time and it shows that it gets what your talking about but when you go and look on your blog page, oops, there is it showing up at the wrong time. I swear I am going crazy... you all see my second staple choice BEFORE my first! Yep... that makes sense in my life, second before the first. It is how our house hold is run too, so why should blogging be any different. I have the shitty phone, shitty computer, but my kids? that's right... the best...the very best. I am the schumk while everyone is of royalty. It has taken me 8 hours...not joking either to do two blogs. Yepper doodles, that's me!
Okay, so I have played my own pity party, partly due to PMS'ing... yes, I still get it, plus its a full moon so what do you want form me?  I just need a glass of wine OR two and then I will feel somewhat normal. Does anyone else goes thru this crap? You all must...
Any how... I am sorry you do not see things in order... the virgin is at it AGAIN!


Thank you for your patience!


xoxo Mari

A Vera Wang fairy tale...

So last night Model Chrissy Teigen married sing/song writer John Legend in Lake Como, Italy! What a beautiful couple right? Like can't wait to see their kids for Pete's sake...wow!
Anyway.. the important stuff like the gown...or gowns for Miss Legend. She had three Vera Wang gowns for her festivities; an ivory strapless mermaid gown for her reception and then a hot red saucy mermaid gown for the "After" party! But the one that stood out like a fairy tale was her wedding gown! Don't know if I'd ever take that off!  It was fit for a Queen not a Princess...fluff and air like she would just float down the aisle. Gorge is all I have to say!

 

                                                            xoxo Mari

The Fashionista's of Street Wear

So scrolling through various links on Street Fashion I stumbled upon photographs taken by Phil Oh. His natural paparazzi skills of capturing the best of the best on New York streets by the who's who is well received! Any of us 40+'ers can wear these, that was my excitement! Usually its that way over the top looks on those that were gifted with legs and grace...but no not really! These street wears were for US! Some are a little edgier than others, but I like classic with a touch "sass" any day... it mixes things up. Soooooo, take a look and see what you could add to your closet for this season and take it  up a notch or two!

Amy Song

                                                               Emily Weiss at Alexander Wang

Miroslava Durma at Prabal Gurung

 

                                                               Natalie Joos

Am I right or what???? Thank you Phil Oh!

                                                                                                                       xoxo Mari