Time AGAIN for another AGELESS STYLE POST

from CINDY HATTERSLEY at ROUGHLUXELIFESTYLE and MYSELF The Vintage Contessa.Today I am FEATURING CHERIE from STYLENUDGE she has GREAT STYLE plus SHE LOVES VINTAGE and DOGS and has FOUR KIDS!Take a look at HER MAGIC and tell me if you FEEL the same way I do about her TOTAL LOOK!She also has a VINTAGE SHOP on her BLOG that may be worth a TOUR de FORCE from time to time.CLICK HERE!

PLEASE ~ PLEASE ~ PLEASE ~ GO HERE to see who CINDY is FEATURING TODAY!DO COMMENT SO WE KNOW YOU VISITED!

YOU get TWO POSTS for the SUBSCRIPTION of ONE BLOG POST…….well maybe you already FOLLOW CINDY than you will get this TWICE.Are you aware she is a DECORATOR in REAL LIFE and from INDIANA originally!

SHE IS LOVELY I RECENTLY GOT TO SPEND Some QUALITY TIME WITH HER IN HER HOME near CARMEL, CALIFORNIA.

LET ME INTRODUCE MY VICTIM OF THE MONTH CHERIE JAMES.

SHE IS A CLOSET CLEANER OR IMAGE CONSULTANT.

NO NO NO 

A

STYLE SPECIALIST!

BELOW

                                                                                          

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

I guess I would describe my style as effortless chic with a twist.  Sometimes hearing how others describe your style says it best.  A fellow style blogger, Catherine, from Not Dressed As A Lamb, described my style and I loved what she said, ‘Cherie has a ‘certain something’ about the way she dresses that I can’t quite put my finger on – she has a very sleek style, but at the same time it’s quite eclectic and daring.  She’s chaotically chic, someone who just effortlessly puts outfits together without looking like she’s tried to hard.”   All of this being said, I appreciate all kinds of styles and fashion.

 

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?

Everything.  Wherever I go I am always observing and looking for inspiration, especially vintage and one of a kind pieces.  I love to peruse flea markets, vintage stores, garage sales and consignment stores.  Finding that special piece is so exciting to me.  I often pair my unique finds with current outfits, which give any look an unexpected twist that’s all yours.  I love Nudging myself.

WHAT ACCESSORY CAN YOU NOT DO WITHOUT?

Shoes. I think they are the soul of my style. Ha, no pun intended.  Your shoes say so much about you and your personality.   In fact, I love shoes so much, I have a link up called The Shoe And Tell Fashion Link Up, NOT Just For Shoes, every Monday on my blog  Shoes tell a story and each week I feature all types of shoes where anyone else can share their outfits and shoes as well.

FAVORITE COLOR?

That’s a tough question.  I prefer warm colors.  But, I think if I had to choose one it would be green.  I have green throughout my home and my wardrobe.

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE PIECE THAT DEFINES YOUR STYLE?

Animal print, specifically leopard.  I have no idea why I’m drawn to it, but I love it.  I have collected animal print vintage coats and handbags for years.  In fact, I need to stop!  Oh, and I almost forgot I also collect animal print shoes.  I will pretty much wear leopard with anything, from florals to stripes.  One of my favorite looks is comfy jeans, a white shirt and a pair of leopard pumps.  Effortless chic with a twist.

WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE STRENGTHS?

I would have to say it’s being able to mix all kinds of things to come up with a stylish look.  I love mixing prints and patterns, high and low, new and vintage, casual and dressy, etc.  I just love playing with clothes and accessories.  And, I love style challenges.  For instance, a friend once challenged me to style a burlap bag.  And, I loved it.  I opened the closed end, cut it to the length I wanted, belted it and wore it as a paperbag skirt.   Shopping my closet and anyone else’s with what they have and coming up with brand new looks. Helping others find their best style.

DO YOU HAVE A STYLE ICON?

Many.  But my absolute style goddess is Coco Chanel.  She was truly a trailblazer and literally changed the world and how women dressed.  I’ve watched and read everything and anything that has been written about her.

WHAT ARE YOUR BEAUTY ESSENTIALS THAT YOU COULDN’T DO WITHOUT?

I do not profess to be a beauty expert at all.  I don’t spend a lot of time on it, but I try.  Here are a few of my must haves:

                                      Clarisonic brush every night to exfoliate (a game changer)

                                      Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

                                      Diorshow Black Mascara

                                      YSL Eyeliner Pencil

                                      Boom Glimmer Boomstick

                                      Bare Minerals Loose Mineral Veil

                                      Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask

                                      Thayer’s Witch Hazel for Toner

DO YOU HAVE REPEAT OFFENDERS IN YOUR CLOSET, IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY?

Oh definitely, yes.  Anything animal print, white shirts of any style, blue oxford shirts, stripes, big comfy sweaters, vintage leopard print coats, other vintage coats, vintage handbags and muffs.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN OVER 50, OR OVER 40?

1.  Take the time to learn what styles and colors look best on you.  Seeking the help of a professional stylist is invaluable.  They will teach you what looks best on you.  If you don’t want to invest in professional advice, then listen to the people around you.  Ask them what their favorite outfit is that you wear?  What are you wearing when they compliment you?  Is it the neckline? The color?  Just because something looks great on your best friend or a model in a magazine doesn’t mean it will look good on you.  For example, I don’t look good in turtlenecks.  The best neckline for me is a deep v-neck or a ballet scoop. Wearing clothes that suit YOU can literally be life changing.

 

2. Wear clothes that you are comfortable in.  You won’t look stylish if you are struggling to walk in your shoes or you can’t sit down because your skirt is too tight or too short.

 

3. Spend time and money on a great haircut and skincare.  You can rock a pair of jeans and tee shirt if your hair is fabulous and your skin is glowing.

4. Be authentic and dress for yourself.

 

5. Take style risks and try to remain open minded.  Allow yourself to be Nudged.

 

6.  Don’t be so concerned about what other people may think, exude confidence and smile

DO YOU HAVE ANY STYLE RULES THAT YOU LIVE BY?

I really don’t like style rules.  I have a few personal ones, but they are based on what looks best on me.  For instance,  I’m not a big fan of my upper arms, so I usually don’t wear anything sleeveless, instead I try to find ways to camouflage or distract from them.  Once you discover what looks best on you, then you can make a list of your own individual style rules.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE GO TO SOURCES?

Since I am such a lover of vintage, mostly handbags and coats, I shop alot on eBay.  But, if I’m not looking for vintage – Bloomingdales,  Anthropologie, Topshop, Zara, Madewell, Calypso St. Barth, The RealReal, Poshmark, and the Gap.

 

Don’t forget to shop outside the box…look beyond your regular stores, like your husband’s closet, your grandmother’s cedar chest, your local vintage or consignment store.

 

DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR DESIGNER THAT YOU ARE DRAWN TO?

I appreciate all types of designers, but I think my favorite is Dolce and Gabbana.  I don’t own too many pieces, but I love their unique, old world sensibility.  Their style is hard to describe because it’s so layered and complex, and they are masters at mixing patterns and prints. Their clothes are classic, but irreverent; bold, but unapologetic; sexy, but elegant.  I am always inspired by Dolce and Gabbana’s enchanting designs.

TIS I YOUR CONTESSA NOW SPEAKING………..

AND YOU CHERIE INSPIRE ME!

I just went on ETSY and bought another MUFF and a LEOPARD SHORT JACKET!I do not wear short jackets but this one spoke to me!Of course I will layer it and THINK of you when I wear it!

I too wear the BOOM Glitter stick upon occasion and LOVE her products!

I will try the MASCARA you recommend because this last year I have NOT been wearing any at ALL!

THANK YOU for your PARTICIPATION and I hope if YOU enjoyed CHERIE’s style you will sign up for her blog as well.Just google STYLENUDGE.COM or CLICK HERE  and look for the SUBSCRIPTION BOX on the RIGHT!

Just input your EMAIL and TRA…LA!

It is as EASY as THAT.

REMEMBER TO VISIT my PARTNER CINDY IN AGELESS STYLE

WE LOVE YOUR FEEDBACK SO if YOU have THE TIME ADD A COMMENT TO the END OF OUR POSTS!

WE WORK HARD TO PUT THIS TOGETHER AND BELIEVE ME MY COMPUTER SKILLS ARE CHALLENGED HERE………..I will NEVER ADMIT nor TELL how long this takes but just know HOURS on my SIDE!!!!!!!!

PS.TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT HOW LUCKY WE ALL ARE AS IT WAS 20 YEARS AGO TODAY THAT PRINCESS DIANA PASSED AND ONE YEAR AGO TODAY THAT WE LOST OUR MOST CHERISHED BLOGGER OF DECOR ELLIE AT HAVE SOME DECORUM.THE WORLD MISSES BOTH OF YOU AND COULD USE YOUR GOOD GRACE AND GUIDANCE RIGHT NOW.

A PRAYER FOR TEXAS AS WELL!

XOXO

LA CONTESSA