Lucky Dog

Thank goodness for the kind hearted, good Samaritans among us! Gale force gusts blew this Maltese-shitz right off Brighton Pier in Victoria, Australia. Sue Drummond could only look on helplessly as her dog was swept into the angry waves.

Luckily, good Samaritan, Raden Soemawinata was nearby and took action. Raden stripped down and dove into the bay to save helpless dog. Raden was a humble hero about the situation saying, “It was pretty cold and windy, but it wasn’t such a hard decision to jump in, it wasn’t such a great feat.” Raden was visiting the pier to spread is grandmother's ashes.
Lucky dog and so cute too!
Jennifer

Britney is upset . . . !

Hi Jennifer and welcome Maria from Naperville, IL.

Some of the younger gals in my office have been following the Britney Spears concert tour and hopeful comeback of the pop princess. Britney has 14 concerts scheduled in Australia and the buzz is that she has been lip syncing out of sync and generally giving a poor performance so much so that fans have walked out of her show. From what I understand Britney has lip synced her concerts for years and nobody seems to care

Milli Vanilli lip synced and it cost them their career and they had their Grammy revoked. In the music world that's like being impeached. In all fairness to Britney though, the voices Milli Vanilli were lip syncing to weren't even their voices. Big difference there!

The booing and the criticism has upset these two young gals who desperately want Britney to succeed and have a comeback. I asked them why it's so important to have Britney Spears in their lives and they both indicated that they grew up with Britney and think all the criticism she receives is unfair and not true. They especially despise Perez Hilton and think he is the worst person in the world. I have to say that I'm not a fan of Perez Hilton either but I didn't say that out loud as I was really getting into this discussion with these two young gals and by young I mean they're in their early 20's. Our office is pretty big and I've never really talked with them before and I was more like an observer than a participant in their conversation. It seems to me that they were acting more like 16 than 23.

After the discussion I went back to my desk and Googled this and you didn't have to look to hard to find that concert goers did walk out of her show and this has embarrassed Britney and her entourage. This picture of her came from Perez Hilton who actually defended her lip syncing saying it was no big deal.

To be honest, I really don't care about Britney.

Lynn

Los Angeles, CA

Welcome "Maria" our newest friend!

Hi friends and future friends: It's my pleasure to introduce you to our newest shopping friend and blogger, Maria. Maria is from Naperville, IL. and all of us at J. LaMore look forward to reading her product reviews and getting to know her through her blogs.

If anyone wants to become a friend on the site and write reviews and blog just go to this page and send us an email and a picture and we'll get you started right away.

Friends receive discounts on products and are the first to receive notices of promotions and other offers that are constantly happening at J. LaMore. As we add more benefits the friends re the first to receive them. So, it pays to be a friend!

New items arrived today and I have to say, OMG! The Flavio Castellani coats are breathtaking! Literally breathtaking! Adorable tops from Salvage came in and a brand new designer, Maloom arrived from New York! I promise that if you love fashion you will love these looks!

The "friend" emails have already gone out and the items will make the site Tuesday. All I can say is, it pays to be a friend!

Jennifer
Madison, WI

After Work Drinks... What's Normal?

Last night I somehow came across an old Allure mag of mine and read an article about a group of women who go out for drinks 3-5 times a week, including their after work cocktail hour (not that weird, right?) These women are all thin, healthy, and wealthy. The story was about how much these women drank each week. They averaged out to about 25-30 drinks a week, and had the same alcohol tolerance as a 200 lb man. One women said she wouldn't be surprised if she finished 2 bottles of wine by herself in one night. Another women said she could top off a whole bottle of wine by herself just sitting at home, talking on the phone to her friend. She considered this "social" drinking. All the women agreed that drinking came first, and eating wasn't really on their minds. They didn't think to go for a bite to eat after work- they were there for the drinks.

This story was questioning whether these women see themselves as alcoholics or not. When I think of an alcoholic, I think of someone who drinks an excessive amount, and can't stop drinking once they start. You don't usually think of healthy Manhattan professionals as this type. Are these drinking ways normal for professional women? I'm happy to go out for after work cocktails, but I don't usually top of 2 bottles of wine solo. When does going out for after work cocktails become too much? I've always thought that social drinking is completely acceptable, but these women considered talking on the phone to a friend while drinking as social drinking.

What do you think, friends? How many nights a week do you think is acceptable to go out for after work cocktails? In college I probably did average 25 drinks a week! Now that I'm out of college and working I have less time for socializing. I think as I get older and settled into my job that I will be the type to go out for some after work cocktails. How many drinks a week is normal for an average female 25-40 years old? 25-30 drinks seems like a lot... but somehow these women were still healthy and happy. What's the right balance? Hmm!

-Charlotte
Chicago, IL

Why a girly-girl needs a son.

Top ten reasons that a girly-girl adores having a little boy:

10) I am very well-educated in "boy" stuff like the latest super-heroes and other characters.

9) I am in such great shape because of playing baseball and football on a daily basis.\

8) I know all of the current sports greats, including the best pitchers, football quarterbacks, receivers, race car drivers, etc.

7) My son is great at math, since I have been quizzing him on batting averages and other scores in football and/or basketball.

6) He tells me that I'm "pretty for a girl".

5) For the first time in my life, I learned how to play video games.

4) I have accepted getting down and dirty, playing outside, in the mud, leaves, etc., whatever a little boy gets into.

3) He wants to live with me when he gets married, and he will only marry a girl who loves football like myself.

2) He's super cheap when it comes to clothes. Just t-shirts and jeans.

1) He loves me no matter what.

Lila
Madison, WI

"Fashion is the Healthiest Motivation for Losing Weight"

I really enjoyed reading everyones perceptions on "what is fat" as well as hearing of others personal experiences. As someone in my early 20's, I'm definitely still surrounded with finding that "ideal" body image- not only by my own standards but also through my friends. I can honestly say I don't go one day without talking to friends about diets, exercise habits, desire to fit into a pair of jeans, etc. The "ideal body image" is exhausting!

The funny thing that girls my age don't realize is that it doesn't do a damn thing to complain about your weight... you have to take action! I'm sure I'm being hypocritical since I am that girl from time to time complaining about my weight, but as I'm growing up I'm realizing you can't complain about anything if you aren't doing something to fix it.

This past fall I've started running and *trying* to eat healthier. I see why it's hard for people! It's a lifestyle change. Although I haven't been perfect about my running schedule, when I am "on" (which is 3 runs a week for me), I feel great! Even if I take a week off, then I work out for 3 days the next week, I may not have lost any lbs, but I just feel better about myself. I've heard before that you are supposed to "think skinny" and I really believe that works. I think if you take care of yourself and think positive thoughts that everyone can feel great!

My question for you friends is have you ever heard of a 10 day cleansing program or something like it? A group of girls I know are hosting this motivational program where you are supposed to work out for one hour/day for 10 days as well as have a strict constructed diet. Supposedly this will kick start your future work out mood and boost your metabolism. I think being healthy for 10 days is a fabulous idea! My worry is that this would have the reverse effect and actually turn me OFF from eating healthy and working out. I know if you push yourself too hard it can have opposite effects. What do you think friends? Would you try something like this? I'm debating on giving myself a "test run"... working out every day(with a few days off) for 30 minutes and eating as healthy as I can for 10 days. Can't hurt, right?!

-Charlotte

Chicago, IL

(P.S. I really love that quote in the picture "Fashion is the healthiest motivation for losing weight." No peer pressure, man, or criticism could make me want to loose those extra lbs more than the idea of fitting into my favorite pair of jeans. Do other women find this true, too??)

Loving the LOOKBOOK

I'm a huge fan of the J.LaMore LOOKBOOK. I always look forward to its updates to see what outfits the stylist have put together, and I often copy them :) I love the new urban feeling of the newest LOOKBOOK. It's right up my alley :) Thanks for all the great outfit ideas!
Kalyn

Fat-tastic topic . . . !

Hi Jennifer and Clare! I had to join in on the "fat" conversation because it's a great topic with thoughtful insight. (By the way, this is the "fattest" picture I could find of Kate Winslet and she is hardly fat!)

My own body image is important to me but Jennifer is right, I'm not obsessed (anymore) with my fluctuating weight. I must say, in all honesty, that I used to be and would be upset if I went into double digit weight gain, again! At one point in my life I gained almost 30 pounds. I'm only 5'5"! Do the math!

During my "fat time" I was very upset with myself. I felt terrible and lost my self confidence and felt that people were talking behind my back about how much weight I had gained. I thought that I was weak because I was successful in so many areas except for my weight. What was wrong with me? I didn't think anyone took me seriously anymore because I was fat and I made excuses not to go to out or to special events because I didn't want to be seen. In retrospect, I put on some weight for God's sake, I didn't have leprosy. I gained the weight after college and it increased into my 20's and it stayed with me for years. I never thought it was a social issue because I never defended my weight gain. I hated it and Hollywood had nothing to do with it.

This topic has really hit home for me and when I was reading it I thought about all the issues I had when I gained the weight. I woke up in the middle of the night and was thinking about what I was going to write about today. Here's what's interesting, I am no longer overweight but I constantly worry about it and need reassurance that I have control over it. I don't want to be fat because I want to wear the clothes I want and I want to be accepted as a healthy person who takes care of herself. These may not be the best reasons not to be fat but they work for me.

I started exercising, changed my diet, got married and worked hard at my job. I became happy!I lost all the weight I had gained and actually wanted to loose ten more pounds to go beyond my goal so that I had a "little room to play with." I actually said this to myself. If I gained a few pounds back I'm still thinner than I was when I hit my goal. Still victorious! Although I lost the weight and feel fantastic, mentally I still had weight issues. I was obsessed with body issues and it was all I talked about. Yes, I was one of those people! Yuck! I don't do that anymore.

With all this said I now think that if a person has never gained any weight they have a different perspective about what fat is. It's easy to be critical. "Just stop eating so much. . . " I don't think I've ever heard a fat person be critical of another fat person. I have heard thin women say "I look better than her. . . " blah, blah, blah. . . . !

Clare is right, Kate Winslet is not fat! She shouldn't worry about what other people say about her. She's a great actress and I really love her movies. I think maybe she needs a better publicist.

Sarah
Dallas, TX

What is "Fat?"

Thanks for the great post Clare. It's quite sad that somehow Kate Winslet's weight has become an issue for the tabloids. She's an incredible actress. Enough said!

I recently had dinner with a friend who was complaining about a recent seven to eight pound weight gain. She still looks amazing, but is in a complete funk about life because of the extra poundage. We're talking the difference between a size 2 and now a size 4. Does this sound rational? Our conversation really got me pondering a deep rooted question; where and when did this obsession with weight begin?

I've considered it's possible it starts when we're young, growing up, the impressionable years. Perhaps hearing your mom talk about a needing to go on a diet or an older sister starving herself to fit into a pair of Jordache jeans on Friday night. Another plausible idea could be our insatiable appetite (no pun intended) to imitate celebrities. Everyone wants to wear the same jeans, the same jacket and the same pair of boots as Jennifer Anitson. As if, only for a moment, by fitting into something "she" wears makes us a better person. Constantly comparing ourselves to celebrities who, by the way, have personal trainers, chefs, and dietitians at their beckon call, can't be healthy, mentally or physically.

While I've made a life in the fashion industry, I feel very fortunate to have stayed grounded in my own self image. My weight fluctuates. I don't stress over it. I wonder if this started as a child? My mom ate healthy, I can't recall her ever mentioning her weight or needing a diet. I have two older sisters, who also, never complained about their weight back then, and still seem happy with their bodies today. Whatever my parents did, intentional or not, to help promote a positive self image seems to have made an impact on me. Or was it just luck?

I'd love to hear how you feel about this issue. Please comment here or if you'd prefer, send me a personal email at jennifer@jlamore.com. I'd really like to delve in to this topic more, but I need YOU to help me! What's your body image? What makes you feel better about yourself? Or worse? Do you think your family has influenced your self body image? Do fashion magazines or celebrities influence how you feel?

Deep issues, I know. Let me know what you think.

Jennifer

Kate Winslet is not fat. . . !

Hi Jennifer & welcome back Sarah!

I know there have been several post on the friends blog about skinny models and image altering but this is a good one to ponder. In the UK we are all talking about Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet suing The Daily Mail for "lying" about her exercise regimen. Really? Who cares about her exercise regimen?

Well it was just reported that she has accepted around $40,000 in damages from the Daily Mail in a suit ending settlement.

Winslet, a critic of body image-obsessed Hollywood culture, said that her quest for an apology demonstrated her "commitment to views I have always expressed about body issues, including diet and exercise". Winslet had previously won a "fat" settlement from another magazine that falsely reported she had visited a diet doctor. (I wonder if it was a nutritionist? OMG! The horror of it all!) The Daily Mail's owners, Associated Newspapers, apologized for "any distress caused." Seriously friends, this celebrity obsession our society has is over the top and has reached a fever pitch.

I love Kate Winslet! I thought she was fantastic in the movie "The Holiday" - I must have watched that movie about ten times and it's one of my all time favorites. I'm also sure by Hollywood standards Winslet is considered overweight but she looks "normal" to me and, she can act!

So here's what I'm getting at. All of us had a water cooler moment and we were talking about the settlement and everything and someone (a man) made the comment that only 'fat women complain about skinny women being to thin'. Kate Winslet is not fat! She now has a reputation for being fat (because she sues anyone who says she is) but she is not fat! After hearing the comment all of us went to my computer at my desk and started Googling pictures of Winslet trying to find one where she was "fat" and not one was found.

So, we have several issues here. Winslet keeps drawing attention to herself by suing anyone who says she's fat. She's not fat but has a reputation for being fat and is critical of thin obsessed Hollywood. That in itself lends to her fat reputation. And now, even when she exercises she is only doing it to loose weight because she's fat. Kate Winslet is not fat!

Hmmmmmmmmm!

Clare
London. England

Hello from Dallas, Texas!

Hi Jennifer! It's been more than a year since I was a friend and a blogger on jlamore.com but I have read the blog everyday to see what everyone's talking about and I missed being part of the fun. I've had a change in careers I'm now able to have some much needed free time to myself which means I can blog about things going on in Dallas, TX. Jlamore.com has really grown up since the beginning. Nice work you guys! The lookbook is first rate! Jennifer, I love the hair cut and color!

(I have to say thanks to Jim for sending me the instructions to blog and link. I completely forgot.)

I had to write a blog on Lynn's dilemma of whether or not she should get laser treatment on her bikini area. My advice to you is DO IT! You will not regret it, if you have the money that is. I did it and think it's great. However, it was almost $3,000 before I was done. My salon did have a deferred payment plan but it was still pricey for a private area that you only worry about when you're in a swimsuit.

I love the new Gypsy 05 sweatpants and top. Cute!

Sarah (Glad to be back)
Dallas, TX

Laser Hair Removal . . . !

Hi Jennifer & friends! Now that I've been running a lot more and getting into pretty good shape I now have an issue that I have to deal with. Bikini area hair! Yes I said it. I want to get my "lower area" lasered because waxing is ridiculous and cost about 50 bucks and you have to go every other month. If you're lucky! A Brazilian wax runs $100 or more! Wow! I'm not into that.

I did the math and Laser Hair Removal costs about $500 a zap in LA and can take 5-6 sessions. Ouch! (My wallet said that) That is very expensive but, laser last forever! Waxing is such a pain and shaving is well, not good!

I've been researching this and in LA there is a ton of laser hair removal salons, which should surprise no one! There's even a forum to help people with looking for the right place to go. Amazing!

Here's what happened friends! I started running and spent the money on the GPS watch not to mention the running gear and shoes. I've lost 13 lbs and now I have to buy new clothes. Eating and staying in shape is really tough because healthy food is twice as expensive as non healthy food. I now have the worry about bikini hair and wonder how much this will cost. I have sore knees and and a sore ankle from running and spend time nursing that.

I feel fantastic but all this healthy living is killing me. Do I really need my bikini area zapped? I'm looking for some help here. Is this even worth considering?

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

Moov Over Uggs

"Splash out in style in the world's first collection of sheepskin-lined Wellies. Freshly debarked from Down Under, the MoovBoot™ has been designed to keep your feet dry and snug in all weather conditions, whilst indulging your fashion sense."

Finally a boot with all the practicality of UGGs, but they are still stylish! I'm predicting these boots will be the next "UGG" for girls on college campuses. Unlike UGG's, these boots are hard to get your hands on. Only one store in the U.S.(In Flordia) sells them, otherwise you have to go to Canada or get them straight from the manufacturer in Australia! They cost about the same as UGGs, but with shipping end up being more (but worth it!) Right now, there are only 4 styles available from last season, but the website tells that new styles are being released soon. I've just e-mailed the manufacturer, so I will update everyone when I find out when the new ones will be in!

-Charlotte

Gypsy 05: Behind the Brand

Great new Gypsy 05 items! I love their sweatsuits. They are so comfortable and really trendy... so trendy that celebrities everywhere are wearing them! Here's a picture I found of Miley Cyrus in the "Kayla Off Shoulder" Sweatshirt and Pant. How cute does she look! She really wears that coral color well.

Behind the Brand: Gypsy 05 was established in the spring of 2005 by a dynamic brother and sister duo, Osi and Dotan Shoham. Born and raised in Israel, the siblings went on to master their crafts worlds apart. While Dotan was in Los Angeles staking his claim in the garment dye industry, Osi was in Israel gaining momentum in the advertising business. Years later, Osi moved to the United States to join her brother on the west coast. After having studied the business closely for years, the pair noticed the need for truly unique garments in the contemporary apparel market. With Dotans experience as a garment dye and print business owner, they had a competitive advantage that could conveniently bring Osis creative visions to life...and thus Gypsy 05 was born.

By gathering motivation from her surroundings, both Los Angeles and her native land, Osi tends to focus on elements which revitalize nature through fashion. This was exactly Gypsy05 intention, to help inspire creativity and a free spirit through its loyal customers that wear and represent a positive attitude about life. The designers focus largely on color, using anything from deep, sophisticated shades to fresh, soft hues. Through the garments, Gypsy 05 concentrates on exclusive dye techniques and processes, which give dimension to the weightless fabrics used throughout the line.

Today, Gypsy 05 has grown into a well sought after brand with representation in over 1,000 stores world wide. Furthermore, with a strong celebrity following, Gypsy 05 has graced the pages of major publications both here and abroad. Since the creation of this brand, Osi and Dotan continue to push the envelope in creating a truly distinctive collection.

-Charlotte

Michael. . . One Talented Guy!

Hi Jennifer & friends: Let me say first off that I don't really have a good eye for writing movie reviews. I know what I like and usually it's a romantic comedy of some sort or a feel good movie that has a happy ending. I like to be entertained but I don't want to be stressed out over it at the end.

Another couple and us went to see Michael Jackson's "This is it!" movie and I have to say it did nothing for me. It was "ok at best" and for the king of pop who was coming to England for 50 shows it was an interesting look behind the scenes of how he rehearsed and a few glimpses of him personally but the hookie special effects he had planned kind of - well, bored me. I'm sorry and it's sad that he's dead but. . . ! The movie tells us that he made this film for the fans but everyone of us know - he did this for the money. He was almost broke and this was not for the fans!

I also find it a little odd that when the movie opens there is a message that scrolls across the screen saying that 'the footage we are about to see was for Michael Jackson's personal use.' You have to really wonder what he would need this for. We talked about this over some wine after the show and it made us think that some day, when he was all alone in is huge mansion somewhere, he would sit in his house and watch this movie of who he used to be. Almost like a Citizen Cane loneliness.

I must also add that Michael Jackson is one talented guy! There is absolutely no doubt about that! His talent is border line "sold you sole" because he must have made a deal with the devil to be that good! Is he weird, bizarre and completely screwed up? Yes! Yes! And completely! But I think that's what made him so interesting. He's also a perfectionist but that didn't suprise me.

All in all if you like celebrity documentaries then you should see this film but if you're not all that interested I would wait until it came out on DVD.

Clare
London, England

PS By the way Lynn, all of us in England are very aware of Roz Savage! Amazing!

Roz Savage: Rowing the Atlanatic

Hi Jennifer: The group of gals I run with on Saturday morning were talking about Roz Savage after a particularly hard run. I had to ask who Roz Savage was because I have never heard of her before and I was told that in 2005 she broke the record for rowing across the Atlantic ocean; solo! Not only that, she has rowed just about everywhere else since then. Savage has now written a book Rowing the Atlantic: Lessons Learned on the Open Ocean.

I was amazed because first of all I didn't even know people rowed across the ocean and then second, why would anyone want to do that? Then I discovered that it was a race! Are you kidding me?

I had several thoughts running through my head during this conversation and living in Los Angeles, and running by the ocean all the time I looked out over the Pacific Ocean and it suddenly hit me: rowing across the ocean is huge deal. That was a lot of water I was looking at. What kind of boat did she use? OMG! I'm going to have to get this book. I have to know more about this woman. Then I was bummed out because Roz was just in LA for her book signing tour. I would have gone to that for sure!

What I discovered was incredible! For one thing, Roz is an environmental activist and decided to row to make people aware of a cleaner earth. (I really like that about her.) She's also an inspirational speaker and believes that if you set your mind to something you can achieve it. The list of accomplishments this woman has achieved is remarkable.

I strongly encourage everyone to take the time and watch the videos on Roz's website. Very amazingly cool. I had a tough little five mile run this morning but after all of this, I'm not going to complain about it.

Lynn Los Angeles, CA

Best Halloween Costumes of 2009

Did anyone see any great Halloween costumes this year? I went up to Madison on Saturday for "Freakfest" which is a big party on the UW Madison campus. There's always crazy costumes there! My favorite that I saw (done by both girls and guys!) was Lady Gaga. People wore some of her crazy inspired outfits with the signature Gaga wig and sunglasses. I also saw a lot of Sesame Street characters. Hilarious, and I bet they were warm! Along with the awesome costumes there were live bands performing all across State Street. One band that everyone was excited about was Third Eye Blind. I missed them but heard they were pretty good!

While I was in Madison I got to stop by J. LaMore. That was my biggest Halloween Treat! I got this fabulous faux fur jacket that I will be wearing out all the time. It's perfect to wear over your dresses in the fall. When I got home I tried it on with my long black gloves and it's such a classic look. As always, thanks for your help Jennifer!

-Charlotte

Look Book, behind the scenes. . .!

Hi everyone: For the past three years many people have asked me about the J. LaMore LookBook and how it all works. Well, I can add a little insight into the process but it's complicated and time consuming and technical. I'm not trying to brush anyone off but I'm not even sure where to begin with how to explain this. But believe me, there is a detail involved master plan.

First, you need a studio and a lot of equipment to make it run right. Then you need lights, more lights and meters to read the light. Then you need camera equipment. Really good cameras and lenses. If I had to choose, I would take a really great lens over a camera body any day of the week. The lens quality is everything for me. You also need lots of lenses too! Really good lenses! Canon is our equipment of choice.

Now that you have that out of the way, you need a "look" from your models then you need to figure what to do with that look. That's where Mandy and Jessica come in as well as a long list of other beautiful models we have shot like Paige, Allison, Melissa and KJ to name just a few. Amazing looks and really nice people, too! Whether you shoot lookbooks in the studio or on location putting the look together takes time and a team of people to make it all work. All the models want the cover (homepage) because that's where all the visitors go first. Ten thousand or so every month and then the lookbook.

J. LaMore has a van that we use to transport all the equipment, models and staff when we go on location. Once we empty out the equipment, the van is set up as a rolling dressing room where the models can change their looks in privacy if we're in the country or in a parking lot in the middle of the city.

Once the pictures are taken (400-500/lookbook shoot) they go to post production. That's where Mandy performs her creative magic and the images are processed for the Lookbook, Homepage, magazines, flyers, etc.

This is just a small piece of the puzzle but I hope you get the idea that it's a lot of work, but it's fun.

Jim

Jacs Restaurant

I'm hesitant to share this restaurant tip, they were swamped last night when I was there, and I'd hate to think I couldn't get in next time I "needed" Jacs! Since I'm such a good friend, I'm going to spill on my new favorite place, Jacs.

Jacs is located at 2611 Monroe Street, just a couple doors down from J. LaMore, and the food is amazing. Last night, for starters, we ordered the frites (hand cut french fries with a classic aioli sauce) they were 'fantabulous!' Perfectly seasoned with pepper, they were amazing.

For my main dish I had the Tilapia, which was incredibly done in a lemon, butter and caper sauce. The menu is full of tempting items ranging from fresh salads to linguine with little neck claims and mussels. I have a feeling that everything on the menu is outstanding! On top of the incredible meal, the service was impeccable. Our server was kind, attentive, knowledgeable regarding the menu and wine list, and just plain sweet.

You will love Jacs! Just make sure if you're there and I walk in, save me a spot!

Jennifer

shopping for fall clothes

It all started when I was almost a teenager, and all of my friends would go shopping for school clothes. Well, my parents didn't really believe in this concept.

First of all, they argued that nothing was on sale. Secondly, my father believed that we only needed one shirt(preferably an oxford), one pair of pants (an ugly pair of pleated khakis), and one pair of shoes (loafers). Well, he was strict in other ways too. He never let myself or my 2 sisters date; therefore, we always babysat; therefore, we always had plenty of money. We would go shopping (my mom was in on this too). We would come home, and one of us would distract my father while the other two hid all of our packages in the bushes. We snuck them in when he went to sleep.

This is not the end of the saga. We had to change in the car on the way to school since he would never let us wear what we purchased. Yes. This is how it all started. The beginning of three fashionistas. My sisters and I all have our own style now, and we still love to go fall shopping. It's so exciting to see all of the new styles, the beautiful new fall sweaters, coats, boots, hats. We also used to love the smell of our new clothes.

I don't know what it is, but there definitely is a new smell. I still love it. I have a daughter now, and she is starting to develop her own style. I've decided that I will not stifle it, and we go shopping together, and it is as much fun as I had always imagined it to be. It is very special. So many reasons to love fall, but this is the main one for me; well, except for maybe daylight savings time.

Lila
Madison, WI

HALLOWEEN

I own this Free Society "Leopard Flock" Hoodie and I love it, I've worn a ton of times already. When looking through my closet to figure out a Halloween costume I came across this top. SCORE! I'm going to be a Leopard! I'm going to wear this Free Society "Leopard Flock" Hoodie, black leggings, black tall boots, a tail and cat ears!

Kalyn

Acne be gone. . . . !

Hi Jennifer! I hope the indoor workout went well. I have to say that I overstress about my gym/workout look almost as much as I do my work looks . I'm not sure why though. Maybe it's because I can hide any physical flaw with a business look and with workout out clothes, its all out there for everyone to see.

Which brings me to my next topic. Every "month" the entire world knows my biological cycle. This drives me crazy and no matter what I do I can't stop my face from showing small breaks outs and blemishes during this time. It's not a big problem but as you know a pimple will show up at the worst possible time.

So, I recently picked up the M Lab's Blemish Control Spot Treatment on the advice of a younger gal who has a bigger problem than me and so far it's working great! This "magic wand" has 82% active ingrediant for fighting acne.

I don't know if anyone else has used this product but I can say it has worked very well for me. I also thought it was a little expensive at $30.00 but if it makes me feel better then it's worth every dime.

Clare

London, England

Love This Top

When I arrived at work today, I realized I wasn't crazy about my outfit. (yes, it happens to ALL of us!) Lucky for me, I own a great clothing store, and if my outfit isn't working I can find something fabulous in a snap!

The jeans I'm wearing are great, the CJ Boyfriend jeans, but my top wasn't cutting it. I decided to get this adorable Before & Again top and LOVE IT! It looks great with the jeans, and I love the pop of color. Perfect for a cold fall day!

Jennifer

FALL Sweaters

The colder months are approaching quickly on the east coast! I don't know about you but I dislike winter, I'm a summer girl! I find it hard to translate into winter and still look good :)

That's why I bought this Salvage "Hysteric" Sweater, it's really cute but still on the warmer side! I love the way that they stylist at J.LaMore matched this sweater with a black jean. It gives off an edgy look :) I'm going to wear this sweater with my favorite...LEGGINGS! I think it will look great with leggings tucked onto some black leather boots!

Kalyn

Indoor workout attire. . . !

Hi Jennifer: I heard the call and I have some recommendations for you. As a fitness person already I can see that you will have a wide selection of choices in gym wear.

I just started running and had to "outfit" myself from head to toe but for gym wear, you won't need a hat or visor and you won't need the GPS enabled running watch I previously wrote about.

For your bottom half, all you really need is a nice pair of body hugging gym shorts and long pants. Remember, you may be doing exercises and moves on a wood floor and when wearing shorts that cold be uncomfortable. You're going to need long pants. Also, most of the time when on the floor during a class you're probably barefoot so footwear isn't that big of an issue.

For your workout top I suggest a top similar to this top. This look frees up your arms for any arm movements and doesn't show any sweaty pits. I don't know about you but I'm self conscious about any part of my body showing sweat.

I usually bring a comfy sweatshirt to throw on after the workout or a zip front jacket to stay warm during the cool down. Even if I didn't wear the pants during the workout I always put them on as well.

I hope this helps. working out indoors is different then running outside, as you already know. You can look at these items and read reviews about them at Fit Couture.

Lynn

Los Angeles, CA