Can Being Practical Still Be Cool?

When I put effort into looking good,  I love when I get an outfit "just right". How do I know I've mastered a look? I feel awesome and often times random people stop to ask where I got something or say that they love what I  have on.  Some of the key components to getting a look perfected is to know what I'm dressing for. Thinking practically like that can sound boring but when fashion isn't practical, major fiascos can entail. Case in point:

What teenager didn't want to be Madonna in the 80's? Photo courtesy of coolchaser.com Back in the day one of my closest girlfriends practiced her Madonna kicks (from Madge's 80's videos)  for weeks to get ready for a big junior high party. She could put Madonna to shame and was so excited to show off to all of her friends. She picked a totally cool jean mini skirt with tights underneath and headed off to what seemed like would be a perfect evening. She gathered all of her friends around to show off her new moves, but what she didn't think about when she was getting ready that night was that the denim mini skirt she wore had no stretch in it. To her surprise when she went for the "piece de resistance" she kicked her first leg up so hard that the back leg flew up right behind it because the skirt was too tight. She ended up landing on her back with the wind knocked out of her and all of her "friends" cheering around her. Lesson learned.....fashion practicality could have served her well that night. With that in mind, here's some practical Do's & Don'ts for everyday outings so you don't land on your ass in a major fashion faux paus: Running Errands 

Running errands isn't anyone's favorite outing but let's face it, most of us spend hours each week doing them.  To my dismay these are the times I tend to run into x-boyfriends or people that I would like to have see me looking my best so I am making a bigger effort recently to try to put my "A Game" on. The key is to make sure not to look like you are trying to hard but still look hip & stylish. It's also important to be comfortable as well because there's no need to make errands more painful than usual. Do's - shorts, flats, breezy tops, maxi skirts or dresses, platform slip on sneakers, slouchy tees or tanks, long necklace, flip flops Don'ts - heels, tight skirts or pants,  leather, outfits that need a slip, super low rider jeans which are hard to maneuver in without showing your plumber's butt   Bike Riding or Other Active Outings

I'm not always the most outdoorsy gal but when I do go on an adventure I make sure to look the part.  When you are having fun you always look good but a great outfit adds a little more punch! Do's - shorts, fitted tanks or tees, sunscreen, minimal accessories, cross body small purse, hair back so it doesn't blow into your face or lip gloss, fedora or baseball hat to block sun, bright colors so people see you, slip on sneakers or sandals with a strap to keep on feet Don'ts - restrictive clothing, fringe, dresses or skirts, too many accessories, flowing tops, absolutely no heels or flip flops   Hangovers - we've all been here before at some point and probably could have looked and felt better with a little effort. Thank God as I've gotten older I've also gotten wiser but I still could use a couple of style tips once in a while when I'm at my worst. Most important thing to me is to cover myself up and not be recognized by anyone in that state so a baseball cap or fedora is a definite must. Sunglasses help too but my best bet is to keep my outings limited when I feel like death.

Do's - boyfriend jeans, tanks & tees, maxis, rompers, hats, sunglasses, flip flops, sneakers, a glass of water & some advil Don'ts - tight clothing, leather, heels, bling, anything that requires effort. excessive makeup   Photographs -  Selfies are all the rage so style yourself just right! These looks will work for any type of picture you take. I love a good photo of me but am never comfortable taking one solo. In order to ease the pain, I make sure that I feel good about myself. Personally I get my makeup & hair done professionally (it helps to have a sis who owns a salon) and I pick at least two or three outfits that fit me perfectly so I can see what photographs the best. Do's - form-fitting clothes, heels, understated jewelry, maxi dresses,colors that complement your skin tone,  more "extreme" makeup! Don'ts - busy patterns, horizontal stripes, bulky tops,  all black , statement jewelry (it takes away from focusing on you)

If you have any do's or don'ts for life's style that you think are practical or helpful, please comment. I love feedback and enjoy hearing other people's thoughts. Hope this blog was fun to read and informative.