WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD?

Here we are-it's my FAVORITE season! We finally get to wear our sweaters, boots, cashmere scarves, and leather jackets. The leaves are changing. The air is crisp. The moon is magnificent. Van Morrison is playing non-stop on the radio. Halloween is coming. Autumn is what makes ME feel good. Good riddance to Summer. Yesterday, while visiting with my 94 year old mom, she complemented me on the jeans I was wearing. I laughed, and told her I own about 50 pairs of jeans. She asked, "why so many jeans?" I told her that I am ALWAYS in search of the "perfect" pair of jeans. Sometimes you want ankle length. Sometimes you want a boot cut. You might want a wide leg, a baggy boyfriend jean, or a tight skinny jean. There are so many options and then to decide on dark denim, faded denim,or indigo denim? Ripped or frayed? Or no holes at all? At 66, I should never be opting for ripped jeans but summer heat often leads me there. These are the big decisions in life! Truthfully, I can't remember the last time I "dressed up". After hybernating during Covid and not frequenting nice restaurants for 18 months, there was never a reason to get fancy. I don't buy designer jeans because my body type works best with junior labels or Levi's, which are my fav. So when getting ready to go out, my first principle rule is to figure out WHICH jean will work with WHICH shoe. For example, if I want to wear a suede heel, I prefer an ankle jean. If it's a knee high boot, I need a skinny tight jean, etc. Next, the piece that I eternally search for is that fabulous white shirt. I have so many, but none that I love! Should I choose the cotton, lace, silk, satin, oversized, fitted, collar or no collar? So, once you have decided on the jean and the suede kitten heel sling back or a leather boot; just add the white shirt, a great necklace, some cool earrings and a bold bracelet. Wallah-You are ready to face the world...This outfit will take you anywhere you want....Well almost! I guess we still need to dress for those occasional black tie affairs. But luckily, they are few and far between these days. Below are my new picks for this season: both makeup and clothes....Nothing I mention is insanely priced. Everything is super affordable. Enjoy! FOR THE FEET Stuart Weitzman Keelan suede knee high boots. Comes in four colors. The light creme is very pretty. (from $299-$499). Mia Cora suede leather bootie. I love that clunky rubber bottoms are in! I'm a clutz, have knarled toes, horrendous feet and need a "big" wide shoe to keep me comfortable. The beige suede is very cool. (Only $49.99!). Prada suede scallop pointed pump-This is very simple and classic. It will never go out of style. ($750). J.Crew Colette slingback pump in suede. Comes in taupe or black or hot pink. Super cute. ($238). Aquazurra St Honoree leather zip boot-Another great clunky combat boot that comes in beige or black. ($795.00). M.Gemi-Hurray! Clogs are back! Perfect for the hippy in me and for my feet that don't do well in confinement! The "Greta" clog is the way to go. Comes in three colors. ($268.00-$275.00). FOR THE NECK Bloomingdales-They have the greatest cashmere travel wrap. It comes in 11 colors and is awesome! It makes a great gift and is perfect for the plane or an air conditioned restaurant. Love. ($198). Burberry-If you want to go for the big bucks, Burberry makes a reversible Icon Stripe wool cape in Navy that is very pretty. More like a coat than a scarf. Keeps you very warm- it's like a blanket! ($960). ARM CANDY Christian Louboutin-I love so many of his handbags! The Large Cabarock Loubinthesky perforated leather tote is so pretty. The brown and red is awesome. ($1,590). Christian Louboutin Cabata Leather Spike Mini Tote or Large Tote-Simple and elegant and the straps fit on the shoulder. ($850-$1290) Christian Louboutin Foldover embellished clutch-calfskin clutch bag with mixed studs. Brown is super pretty. Perfect for a Saturday night out with your beau. ($1450). Gabriela Hearst knot hobo bag. Two colors: black or cognac. I wish it had a zipper, but it's lightweight and stunning. $(1990.00). COATS Orolay-Of course, this is the coat that went viral on Amazon. It literally is the warmest coat I own. So many pockets! You don't even need a purse! Comes in a variety of colors. It isn't the most flattering coat, but it sure is the coziest. ($159.99). Bernardo-I'm just not a fan of real fur anymore. It's become too cumbersome, too heavy and just not easy for me to wear. This year I happen to like Bernardo's unreal beaver fur jacket. . It's pretty and lightweight, yet warm. Comes in slate blue or grey. (Only $119.00-a bargain). Apparis-They make a cute "Goldie" coat in Latte. It's hip length and hooded. Looks great with jeans. ($250.00). FOR THE EYES Ryan Simkhai- VELVET READERS! I kid you not. This is my all time FAVORITE item for the fall and winter! They are really the greatest looking readers I have seen! This is how I prefer to wear velvet. "Cayley" comes in black, cobalt blue, burgandy, and purple velvet. A must have accessory! ($34.00). FOR THE FACE AND BODY OIL OF OLAY COMPLETE-My all time best moisturizer. It has a great scent and has an spf of 15. Begin your day with this. End your day with this. I use the "normal" with UV365. ($6.99). PACIFICA BABY SERUM BOOSTER GLOW DROPS-mix a drop of this into the OIL OF OLAY moisturizer and apply to your face. It gives you a dewy fresh look. ($16.00). ELF GREEN HYDRATING PRIMER-If you do use a primer before your foundation, this is my favorite. It glides on easily and makeup always looks great. ($7.00). WET AND WILD EYELINER-try either their pencil or their felt tip eyeliner. Each one is great. I use black. ($4.00-$4.77). ALMAY EYELINER Pen-they make a proline felt tip with a small ball at the end. Easy application of a straight line and hypo allergenic. ($8.49). FLOWER GEL CRUSH-Drew Barrymore's line. Now available in CVS. Doubles as blush and lip color. Comes in 3 colors. ($6.99). KYLIE-I hate to admit it but this Kardashian makes a nice lip liner and lipstick! I use the color "sweater weather". Available at Ulta. ($12.00 and 17.00). MAYBELLINE-Lash waterproof Discovery is my favorite "go to" mascara. Easy to use. The small skinny wand is the bomb. Hypoallergenic. ($6.54). Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1-This is the greatest product ever! Not only does it cleanse, but it also removes every last drop of makeup and refreshes. No oil, No sulfates, no fragrances. No rinsing is needed. ($8.99) Vaseline Intensive Care Radiant Spray Moisturizer-Comes in Cocoa Radiant, Aloe, or Plain. It works great after the shower. Not oily and very hydrating for every inch of your body. ($8.99). By now, you have noticed that none of the makeup I use is high end. Believe me, I have tried La Mer, Chanel, Yves St.Laurent, Armani, and Jurlique. I have bottles upon bottles. Trust me when I tell you that drugstore brands are just as fabulous, and often far better. Give them a try and see what you think. Now you have applied your make up; wriggled into an awesome pair of jeans, put on that beautiful shoe or boot, buttoned up your tailored white shirt and wrapped yourself in that gorgeous cashmere scarf. You are ready to get out and enjoy all those fall days and evenings. I hope you love October as much as I do! Enjoy this weather while you can because before you know it, we'll be dealing with the cold winter (which truth be told, I also enjoy!) HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY TO MY SWEET BOY, WILLIAM! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER, STEVE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY YOUNGEST, LEXI! HAPPY COLUMBUS DAY! HAPPY HALLOWEEN! PEACE OUT-ONE B

Emmy's 2021

Last night we finally returned to the glamour of award shows and the red carpet. Of course, my favorite part is before the actual awards are presented! I love the red carpet. Specifically, I love the fashion, the facial work, and most important, The Jewels! Okay-let's review. BEST DRESSED 1)Yara Shahidi-her lime Dior gown was off the charts! That fitted waist and off the shoulder were sensational. The gown was altered perfectly to her body. Loved Loved Loved! We'll get to her jewels later. 2)Michaela Jae Rodriquez-She was passed over for best actress, but wow was she a major winner in the dress category. She donned a turquoise vintage Versace gown that was magnificent. I wished she did a little more with her hair, but I thought she looked great. 3)Anya Taylor-Joy-Dressed in a yellow Dior Haute Couture gown, with a dramatic train; she looked stunning. Her hairstyle was perfect glam, highlighting the backless dress and the glittering Tiffany jewels cascading down her back added drama. This is not a gown that would normally appeal to me, but she carried it off. 4)Jennifer Coolidge-I thought she picked the perfect dress for her physique. She looked elegant in the navy Christian Siriano. Her sexy wavy blond hair complemented the look. 5)Rita Wilson-Although no one is really talking about her Tom Ford outfit, (because they are too busy talking about her rapping), I thought she looked cool and chic. Her haircolor was beautiful, and we'll discuss her face a bit later. WORST DRESSED 1)Traceee Ellis Ross-Hated everything about this look. She wore a red sequined Valentino Haute Couture- Normally, a fashion icon, this dress was the wrong choice and did absolutely nothing for her. I didn't like her hair and makeup. Nothing about this look worked. 2)Emma Corin-Adorned in a Pilgrim costume by Miu Miu, she looked appropriate for a Thanksgiving dinner. What was she thinking? Turkey dinner? 3)Cynthia Erivo-The blue and green feathered hem looked like the noodles you go through in a car wash. Her stylist generally nails it, but this was a clear miss. Louis Vuitton customed this white leather dress for her. The fit on top was too loose and the feathers made no sense. Ugly. 4)Kathryn Hahn-She was wearing a Lanvin strapless jumpsuit. I thought the belt was too overpowering. I didn't like her messy relaxed hair, but I did love that emerald and diamond necklace! 5)Taraji P. Hensen-Her black, shimmery low cut Elie Saab dress showed too much cleavage and looked cheesy. Very Las Vegas! 6)Sarah Paulson-I detested this Carolina Herrera red gown on Sara. Those balloon sleeves were too overpowering. Actually, so was the entire dress. Yuck! 7)Angela Basset-She looked like she was wearing a large pink ruffled question mark pasted to a black dress! But stay tuned-I have more to say about Angela. 8)Amy Poehler-By far, the worst dressed at the Emmy's. She wore a sparkling Galvan London dress and a crazy black belted Bella Freud jacket. She actually looked like she went to her dead aunt's closet blind folded and took clothes made for someone else of a different age and size. Horrid! BEST EARRINGS 1)Sudi Green-a writer on SNL, she wore stunning enormous emerald earrings. I don't know the designer but they looked awesome. 2)Cecily Strong-another SNL cast member, that accessorized her black gown and flowing hair with long dangling Gismondi diamond earrings. 3)Yara Shahidi- Awesome 18K Gold and diamond Cartier earrings that set off that gorgeous dress. I'll get back to her again 4)Angela Bassett-$120,000 Gismondi 18K white gold and ruby earrings. Very pretty and I'm not even a fan of rubies. 5)Issa Rae-I thought she looked fabulous. Loved that mesh gown, her shoes, and most of all those earrings. They were designed by Fernando Jorge and were made of 18k yellow gold and diamonds (cost-$60,000). Interesting contrast against that silver mesh gown. BEST NECKLACES 1) Billy Porter-He wore a magnificent statement necklace by Lorraine Schwartz. I'm not sure where else you would actually wear this piece in the real world. 2) Kathryn Hahn-I mentioned that beautiful emerald and diamond necklace above. Whe was wearing a Briony Raymond Estate jewel. 44 carats of Emeralds and 43 carats of diamonds. Very pretty. 3) YARI SHAHIDI-*****favorite piece of all. The Cartier Cactus inspired necklace. The yellow gold diamond and emerald collar was to die for! Couldn't take my eyes off of her. Be still my heart... 4) Catherine Zeta Jones-Although she looked lovely in Lorraine Schwartz diamonds, I find her look very ho-hum boring. She gets it all right, and is gorgeous, but nothing wows me. BEST FACIAL WORK 1)Angela Bassett-She doesn't admit to a face lift, however I watch 911. If you view her last year and then last night, she did not JUST have botox or ultherapy. This woman is 63, and looks like she did when she starred in How Stella Got her Groove Back in 1998 when she was 45! That skin, that body, those arms-sheer perfection! 2)Rita Wilson-at 64, this woman looks better than ever. She definitely has been tweaked! Impressive plastic surgery. 3)Catherine Zeta Jones-despite the fact, that she denies plastic surgery-it seems impossible that she remains ageless without the help of a plastic surgeon. Whatever she does and whomever she uses, she looks simply gorgeous. AWARD SUMMARY Watch the following if you haven't: Ted Lasso The Crown Queen's Gambit Mare of Easton Hacks Hamilton Movie Halston Fall shows begin tonight! So, You can check out Angela Bassett for yourselves in 911! This week New Amsterdam is back, Queen Sugar is on episode 3, American Rust (SHO)is on episode 2, The Resident returns, Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD also return, and Scenes from a Marriage is worth a look on HBO. Welcome Fall-my favorite time of year! Peace Out-One B