Fashion Friday: Edition but wait, there’s more!

Since several of you asked yesterday about which self tanner I use, I guess I should start by talking about self tanners. Because, let’s be honest, no matter what your dermatologist tells you, everything looks better with a tan. Sadly, everything doesn’t look better with wrinkles and skin cancer, so that leaves the self tanner option.

I know there are some expensive products on the market and I’m sure they are lovely and smell like pina coladas being served poolside by a cabana boy named Pablo. However, most of those are more than I’m willing to pay for a tan in a bottle unless I start selling my plasma as a side business to earn extra cash.

My go to self tanner is Neutrogena Build-A-Tan. I like the option of the gradual tan instead of just waking up VERY TAN one morning It allows me to regulate my color. I apply it two days in a row and then usually skip a day or two to make sure I don’t end up looking like the love child of Diana Ross and George Hamilton.

This year I’ve also decided to shake it up a bit and have been using Jergens Natural Glow Firming lotion on my legs. If it actually works then there’s a good chance that I might just start bathing in it every day for the rest of my life. I’m not sure that any actual firming is going on because if it was that easy then Jillian Michaels would be living on the street looking for a job, but it’s a scientific fact that a tan can hide a multitude of sins and the claims of firming make me feel better even it’s just a placebo effect.

As a bonus, I’m going to give you some self tanner advice from someone who has made some critical errors. Exfoliation is key. You’ve got to use the loofah to get rid of dead skin if you want a smooth, even finish. Also, put a little Vaseline or regular lotion on your knees, elbows, and ankles to avoid the dreaded dirty knees syndrome caused by the tanner caking around the drier skin on your knees. And, finally, sometimes you have to kiss some self tanner frogs to find your golden prince. My skin tends to be a little more olive, so what works for me may not work for you.

I have never been more thankful for a bit of faux tan than I was yesterday when I put on my black sleeveless dress to wear to the fashion show. My arms really aren’t summer ready and I mentally prepared myself that no matter what the day might bring I needed to avoid placing my arms directly by my sides at all time. Always crook your elbow. Always. Because it makes your arms look skinnier and doesn’t look awkward or unnatural at all. It just looks like you’re doing the robot.

The good news from the fashion show was that all the trends I mentioned last week were featured. I’m relieved that I don’t have to issue any sort of fashion retraction. Now that I’m armed with a wealth of knowledge, I’ll share the other five trends for Spring and Summer.

1. White

This applies to everything from the white shirt to the white jean. I’m a huge fan of the white shirt in all forms. However, I don’t really understand why everyone insists on making their white shirts so thin that you’re forced to wear another layer under it. I live in South Texas. I cannot wear two shirts all summer long without becoming angry and irritable.

That being said, I would make an exception for this Nanette Lepore Javanese blouse.

In the words of Stevie Wonder, isn’t she lovely? Too bad she’s so dang expensive.

Fortunately, there are less expensive alternatives. This pintucked tunic top is really cute and so is this floral applique v-neck tee. I also love this Heritage silk tiered blouse and this square neck crochet cami.

As for white jeans, I realize they aren’t for everyone but I found a really great pair last summer. The key to white jeans is that you can’t really go cheap. If you’re going to wear white on your bottom half and are over the age of fifteen, then you need to pay a little extra for a great fit. I love these bootcut white jeans by Citizens of Humanity.

Keep in mind that you can wear them with a longer tunic style top to eliminate your entire rear view being an expanse of white.

Of course if you have young children or, like me, can’t get through a meal without spilling something on yourself, you may want to skip the white trend altogether.

2. Safari/Tribal influences

Remember back when Banana Republic stores used to be designed to resemble the set of Land of the Lost? This is kind of like that. But please stay away from the sleestaks.

You can do anything from a beaded v-neck dress to a simple linen shirtdress.

It can also take on a bohemian look like this tunic.

I also like this tunic from Boden.

I’m sure there’s a lot of other stuff out there but it seems like a lot of work to find it right now.

3. The dress

There are a million different dress options right now. And that’s only a slight exaggeration.

This little silk solid tie-neck dress looks just like Spring to me.

But there are casual dresses, shirt dresses, floral dresses, and June Cleaver dresses.

If elected, I promise that there will be a dress in every pot.

4. Big, bold jewelry

The beautiful thing about jewelry, I mean other than the jewelry itself, is that you can find trendy, stylish pieces at any price point. There is nothing that can add a little pop to something tired and old in your closet like some great new accessories.

This turquoise statement necklace + me = True love 4ever.

But there are so many great pieces of jewelry to choose from. It’s an abundance of faux riches.

5. Delicate and lacy

There are so many gorgeous feminine things out there right now. I wish I could give them all a good home.

I’m especially in love with this lace dolman top.

But there’s only so much plasma one person can sell.

That’s it for Spring Trends. In fact, I’m so tired that I may be done with Fashion Fridays FOREVER.

Or at least until next week.

Y’all have a good Friday.

For a discussion about stripes for Spring, you can go visit Jo-Lynne at Musings of a Housewife.

P.S. I also wanted to make sure that y’all know there is a group of Compassion bloggers in Kenya this week. I particularly loved this post from day one of the trip written by Ryan.

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