Author: Liv D.
Forever in blue jeans
Denim. I think we all have a love/hate relationship with jeans. Obviously we worry about fit. Over time, our bodies change and grow and shrink and grow and change some more. We won’t look the same in jeans as when we were young. And that’s ok. Some of us have had children, surgeries, health issues, gone through depression or dealt with anxiety. It’s life. What I don’t want us to get caught up in is size. As you may or may not know, different brands run VERY different in the same size. In fact, I’ve seen 2 pairs of jeans, same size and brand look inconsistent. Below are examples of some of my jeans showing these discrepancies.

From top to bottom:
Wit & Wisdom
Levi’s
Kut from the Kloth
NYDJ 360
NYDJ
Mavi
Old Navy

From top to bottom:
Pilcro and the letterpress from Anthropologie
J.Crew
Express
Skinny Girl by Bethenny Frankel
Because of my body type, hippy with an apple bottom π, I prefer denim with some stretch and gravitate towards a “skinny” jean. If the size 10 is way too tight, give the size 12 a try. Or if the size 12 fits but is a little loose and you’re working on some weight loss, go with the size 10. The bottom line is comfort is important. But so is fit. Too tight or saggy jeans won’t be flattering or compliment your curves. I know baggy jeans are in right now. I’m not particularly a fan. I personally believe wearing extra baggy anything makes one look much bigger. I’m not judging if that’s the look you are going for. Just don’t be down on yourself with a number stuck in your head. Does a pricier name brand mean a better fit/higher quality denim? Yes and no. Levi’s is the OG creator of jeans. They’re quite affordable. Some are uber pricey because they have a celebrity attached to it. And yes, the feel of some of the more expensive denim can feel weightier and more buttery. As far as longevity is concerned, I’ve read and been told by “experts” to not wash your jeans too often. That will break down the denim. And don’t throw them in the drier. Air dry them. Right now, my favorite pair is by Express. π Which, btw their skinny jeans run small. I layed a 12 against 2 other brands in a size 10 and they measured the same. Easy tip. If you find a brand of jean you feel great in, that compliments you, and works within your budget, get them in different washes! Jeanius, amiright? ππ

90’s vibin’

The timing is perfect for this, as one of my most favorite bands @DepecheMode just announced their 1st tour in 5 years. π I have posted before about 2 of these items I’m wearing. A shacket (shirt jacket) and my updated “I could walk for miles” Dr. Marten inspired Vionic boots. The shacket is from non other than… Costco! I’m personally not the biggest fan of shopping at Costco. But I was there with my parents and spotted this shacket. Love the colors, the soft plush “sherpa” lining and the price is phenomenal. $16.99! Here’s the link. SWEATA WEATHA is upon us! π
Me and my loafers minus the penny

Obsessed with my new platform loafers by Franco Sarto. They are amazingly comfy and just what fall ordered. The only thing missing is a slot for a penny. π Oh yes. I owned a burgundy loafer in my grade school days and definitely had a penny shoved in them. I actually think they were part of the required uniform I wore, now that I think about it. π€ Style them with jeans. But not a skinny jean. These bulkier shoes will look off balance with a skinny jean, imo. And yes, I still wear skinny jeans! Not giving them up. π Or pair with khaki pants or a knit knee length skirt. Throw a cardigan over a t-shirt or a crisp button down white blouse. They literally go with most anything. Found these navy beauts @ DSW. Here’s the link.
100%

I absolutely love this quote. It’s taken from Pastor Charles R. Swindoll. The actual statement made was: βThe longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company…a church….a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude…I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes.β
This is something I have really been trying to accept and learn in my almost 50 years of living. When we are handed a stressful incident or someone does something that really makes us anxious or upset, it’s always our first instinct to be reactive. Our hearts beat fast. We get overwhelmed and want to lash out at whomever is in front of us or whom we are closest to. We may stress eat or drink. Now, I try to step back and look at the situation in front of me. Is this something I can control? The action of this person or situation? Majority of the time it’s the other person’s issue. Or it’s a stressor that we do not need to take on. I like to think of a baby. When you play peek-a-boo with him/her. They are so happy and giggling. Their reaction is everything. When presented with a challenging situation, try to handle it with a good attitude. Try. Life is about learning and trying. Life is about loving. Life is about being patient and kind to others AND yourself. We’re just doing our best in this life we have. Try. Trying.
Emmys 2022!
Here are my picks from all the fab looks from the evening.
β‘1-Reese Witherspoon in Armani & wearing over 200 carats of Tiffany jewels. ππ Her stylist is 2nd to none.
β‘2-Alexandra Daddario in Dior. Utterly stunning to me. I had to post 2 pics. π
β‘3-Zuri Hall in a fantastic feathery gown. *still searching for the designer
β‘4-Elle Fanning wearing a custom gown by costume designer Sharon Long. Her hair and makeup.. L O V E
β‘5-RuPaul-I could not not post the always fabulous RuPaul. This leopard tux made my mouth drop. I’m a sucker for leopard. π






Eyes are never quiet
Frown lines or worry lines are the vertical lines that appear between your eyebrows. Many people call them WTF lines, especially put to use after these last few years (or if you have a teenager). π “They are the result of your forehead muscles squeezing inward as you furrow your brows.” These lines drive me bonkers. The crows feet don’t bother me as much, for some reason. I think it’s because the “crows” show up when you’re smiling or laughing. The lines comes with age but it also reflects happiness on a face. However, if I can help diminish the appearance of the lines in and around my eyes without having to get botox, sign me up. I am not opposed to trying botox, I’m just chicken. Someday I’ll attempt it. Maybe. I don’t love how my face is slowlllly slumping downwards. π
My go to eye cream forever has always been Shiseido Benefience. It’s a heavier cream so I’ve been searching for another that’s a little lighter in consistency. These 2 are IT. Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye Zone Treatment. Quite a mouthful, hehe, but highly effective after 2 short months. I use this in the morning before my daily serum, moisturizer and sunscreen. 2nd up is 5 Stars by Sunday Riley. Sunday Riley is a fairly newer company, established in 2009. I love that they do absolutely NO animal testing. This serum is also Sulfate-Free, Paraben-Free, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Phthalate-Free, Fragrance-Free and Vegan. I’ve blogged about their Good Genes serum that I absolutely am crazy in love with. Use the 5 Stars eye serum in the evenings, under or over your night time moisturizer. I should have taken a picture of my WTF lines prior to use. It has helped IMMENSELY! The eyes are the window to your soul. Keep them happy. π

Self-Care
Early morning pedicure, bike ride and stop at Backhaus for a warm croissant and latte. Zero regrets.
Self-Care. Took me a long time to get this. Give yourself some love so you have the energy to give love. ππ



