Video: I Heart Fall

Hello!
Autumn is in full swing in the southern hemisphere, so I thought I would do the 'I Heart Fall' tag. I just love an excuse to wear a scarf, even if it means a moment of awkward fumbling.
Watch below or click over to YouTube for some #respectablenude times (no actual nudity; just the colour)!

You Are What You Wear

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In my research about wardrobe psychology and style analysis (which I am thoroughly enjoying), I came across a great book called You Are What You Wear: What Your Clothes Say About You by Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner (Boston: Da Capo Press, 2012). I found this to be a fun and engaging read, with several clear chapters each addressing with a specific wardrobe ‘issue’. For example, there are chapters on buying too much, keeping too much, revealing too much, and so on. You can fid other examples of her writing at Psychology Today.

Dr Baumgartner is clearly well-educated and her writing style is very relatable and friendly. Her analysis of each of the style ‘ailments’ in the book is very clever and resonates with the reader. In my view, the tone of the author is crucial to the reader’s feeling of acceptance if they happen to be struggling with a particular wardrobe stumbling block. There are many anecdotes used throughout each book, which all serve to illustrate in real-life terms how a person might face an issue but then how than can be resolved and they then feel empowered for the future.

Another engaging aspect of the tone is that Dr Baumgartner relates her own personal experience in fashion and wardrobe-building, often admitting that she particularly likes shopping or that she appreciates fun, beautiful clothing. This is certainly a strong approach compared to what one might otherwise (pessimistically?) expect of someone with a doctorate in psychology: a dry and critical analysis of why we weak consumers are blinded by our own pain points and end up with a closet full of junk. I am so glad she did not take such an approach.

This book is clearly aimed at a female audience, which I think is fine considering that – to make a generalisation – it would be likely that more women than men would be likely to pick up this book in the first place. I enjoyed the book because it meets three of my key criteria: a) on a topic I’m interested in; b) intelligently written; c) fun! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is at all interested and/or in need of help with their wardrobe situation. As I have experienced myself, having a cleared-out, organised and happy wardrobe feels good!

Feel free to let me know your thoughts on this book or any others in the 'fashion psychology' genre!

Video: Clothing + Accessories Haul

My next video is here already! As promised, I am bringing you my recent clothes + accessories haul in video form -find it over over on YouTube. I must say that I'm very grateful to be able to have nice things. Oh, that spiked necklace. Watch to the end if you like watermelon red!

My First Video - April Favourites 2015

Hello! I am excited to say that I have published my first YouTube video! It's about my favourite items for April 2015. You can find my video over at the YouTubes. I'm sure there's room for improvement but I'm glad I gave it a go. Be nice!

Cool Weather + Nails

 So, the weather is cooler now in the southern hemisphere, so I’m in the mood for some sassy nail colour. In the autumn and winter, I tend to choose from a couple of colour groups, so I’ve included examples below:

Blues

• Colour Theory Nail Polish - It’s a Boy: This is a cool light blue, appropriate for ice queen vibes.
• Covergirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Polish – 290 Constant Caribbean: Peacock teal blue; an eye-catching metallic shade. So fun!

 

Deep Purples + Wine Reds

• Revlon Top Speed Nail Polish - 660 Grape: Dark metallic purple for the violet-inclined. It also does smell somewhat of grape!
• OPI Nail Lacquer – Lincoln Park After Dark: Such a classic; very deep purple, almost black. A nice, daring colour without being 100% noir.
• Max Factor Gloss Finity Nail Polish – 185 Ruby Fruit: A sumptuous dark wine red colour, and fool-proof chic for cool weather.

 

  

Nude Browns + Pinks a.k.a. RESPECTABLE NUDES

• Covergirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Polish - 220 Toasted Almond: I have warm feelings for this milk chocolate colour! Not too dark, not too light, but just toasty.
• Rimmel 60-Second Nail Polish – 500 Caramel Cupcake: I have dubbed this my ‘respectable nude’ colour! It is a light blushing brown/pink colour and very flattering on fair-medium skin tones.
• Maybelline Forever Strong Super Stay 7-Day Gel Nail Polish – 130 Rose Poudré: This is similar to Rimmel’s Caramel Cupcake, though decidedly much more pink. Mauve, blush, dusty rose are all appropriate descriptors for this shade.

 

Party Pops

• Maybelline Forever Strong Super Stay 7-Day Gel Nail Polish – 180 Rose Fuschia: Watermelon love! This bright warm-toned hot pink is sassy! Prepare yourself for flattery.
• Sally Hansen Colour Frenzy - 320 Splattered: This sparkle polish is very cool and artiscis with particles of different colours and sizes. For an ombré effect, paint the first coat all over the nail, the second on the half of the nail furthest from the cuticle, and then third coat on the very tips. This also works well on top of a solid nail colour (black, gold, dark pink). Snazzy!
• OPI Nail Lacquer – Rising Star: This is an opulent warm gold shade, fit for your next glamorous event. Gorgeous goddess ambience.

Let me know your favourite colour or fall nail trend!