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