A makeup makeover tutorial

I've promised to spend more time helping other women, fighting their 50s like me, or anyone looking for a quick trip through makeup techniques.

VOILA!

a REFLECTIVE reflection

IMAGE SOURCE << CLICK here <<
FAVIM.com is a great site to check out if you have a creative eye

The following blog was originally written and posted on my "A Commentary" blog (without the lead in image above, I added that now).  

I was reviewing what I had written and realized it is something that I usually cover in MEANDERINGSabout blog. 

Then I got to thinking, not unusual for me after the sun goes down, it is more reflective than reactive .... there are areas pertinent to The optioneerJM blog here.  

So, I decided to do it more like a social media experiment.  Is there any benefit to cross-linking internally.  Meaning, three blogs under the same umbrella with Google:  could they help increase the reaction or traction to the original blog, or is the reaction (meaning clicks) coming from mostly those who subscribe independently.  
Google's analytics for Blogs is superior to most.  As a blogger with Word Press I did forewarn that I was going to start comparing the values each bring.  

There is a lot of power behind Google, which settles my suspicion it would help when I launched this, my first blog, optioneerJM.  They toss scraps over my way when people are "googling" a topic within the topic of sales ... kinda like they have links or results swayed to the strong player and then the miscellaneous or "everything else" comes my way.  I'm not complaining, I'm sharing my findings as I go along.

The one thing that I can say that Word Press seems to have stronger than Google's blogspot and that is the blog community itself.  Word Press authors seek out to read and support others when they like the content.  Synopsis:  Word Press has a stronger community of Bloggers than Google.  However, Google's engines do try to chug away and make up the difference, they just haven't figured out a way to slip into the middle of those results ... searches within a platform like Word Press.  

I think that open source development is the way to go.  Why?  It is simple.  There was a really really BIG EXAMPLE on a business failure because of not having open sourcing:  think HP's Tablet.  They were ahead of the curve on the product development, but it came down to one corporate decision that wrote the failure on the wall:  deciding to keep the code private.

The race that ensued shortly around that time was Apple's heady emergence on the scene.  I continuously marvel how Steve Jobs could pick up pieces that were missing or underutilized and maximize that very thing and it appears that Apple was innovative and HP was risk averse.  The difference between being bold and being sold out.  

Sold out can mean that HP started to let its shareholders run their business.  I'm going to write more about that on a dedicated blog.  I've reflected, reviewed, and revisited with former colleagues at HP, and have started to develop some opinion.  It's an intriguing story really.  How could one of Collins "Good to Great" companies self-destruct so pitifully.  The straight answer:  they began to lose sight of its original vision and culture: "about solving problems by really smart people who cared about each other." ~Jeannette Marshall (quote)
READ MORE LINK WILL BE INSERTED WHEN POSTED.

Here you go loyal followers and subscribers .....

I tend to go on about stats and such on my optioneerJM blog since that is where the conversation about social media or soME seems to have some traction.  I really started out there writing about sales primarily, then shifted to include leadership and business with social media dialogue emerging frequently.

That's a tough position to be in because your golden followers, the ones who began the journey with you deserve and have earned your return loyalty and acknowledgement.  

The strange part of me is I constantly seek feedback online from trusted advisors, and I can take it.  However, if it is someone looking at me, with eye contact and giving me feedback, if it isn't filtered with empathy and professionalism, I can feel attacked.

Writing to the loyal followers is paramount to a business or a blog.  That's a mutual reward for sticking around together.  And as the object of that feedback, you take it more positively because they've grown to know you over a few years at least.  They aren't adding their own ingredients of bias into the equation.  People feel threatened if they recognize an element of your personality that they internally, personally feel that you lack.  That can make things get rubbed the wrong way.

To be told by a senior manager, that "people feel threatened by you" is something a person has to grapple with and grasp.  I don't think any one individual person consciously thinks they're a bad person.  The bad aren't even in your sphere because they know they're bad and proud of it.

Let's take how a woman dresses.  It shouldn't be a key factor in this day and age but it is.  You can be both the victim and the judge at the same time.  I am a clothes horse, even call myself a "fashionista" with the more humbling affiliation that I'm "fighting my 50s" so as to remove ego when is not there.

RELAXED to the MAX
No dress code does not mean you look like you will
 jump into bed when you get home

How a person dresses, in my opinion, reflects to the world a statement:  "this is how I feel about myself".  You can relate even better when you think about when you are sick with a cold, a nose so raw and red from blowing it.  You feel lousy and look it.  You underscore how you are feeling with a ballgown?  Hardly, more likely the biggest, loosest flannel PJ bottoms, fluffiest slippers or lumberjack grey socks and a rebel Tshirt you wouldn't be caught grocery shopping in!  That's my point.  I agree that Hollywood and movies often portray the really efficient, bitchy boss dressed in a suit with not a hair out of place, so polished and poised.

I don't intimidate people by how I act, it is their preconceived notions before I've even opened my mouth.  Which can be annoyingly long-winded.  You won't walk away without replaying it or thinking about it again.

DRESS YOUR AGE:
  This works well on the sprite that she is
 yet it would look dreadful on me:  5 ft and 55

My talkative, gregarious nature doesn't tee up with a suit.  It should be more Bohemian in style and mannerism shouldn't I?

My point today being that we should not evaluate and file anyone away or into a category based on a 5 second visual.  You are short changing yourself from what could be a great adventure, exchange of wits, a few laughs.  That is one of the main attractions of social media:  your voice is translated via keys communicating in such a way and in an acceptable manner that you listen to the person, you observe the message.  In its nakedness, you make your judgement, evaluation, and determination to join that person's ranks.  A photo or visual is after the fact.  What is appealing is that communications style that others gravitate towards while others with bias refuse to get to know them because of that first 5 seconds.  With social media, it may only be 1 or 2 seconds, but the benefits are far reaching, the risk obsolete, the ability to control (block, unfollow, ignore) your environment online is much more peaceful than anywhere else.

MY KIND OF FASHION Fall 2016

My kinda fashion for "Business Casual" or "Casual Friday" Looks.  Really comfortable with the jacket off, yet the jacket is there to ward off the chills OR attend that last minute meeting scheduled.

Although this was sourced as a PLUS fashion, the lines and curves packaged professionally is bang on with this look!  It compliments a figure with or without curves.  In either case, it is not bashful or hides the fact that you are a woman.  In fact, where it to the next All Boys meeting you attend to visually communicate that yes, you are a woman, and your ideas will add value.

Polished+Professional+Poised
Classic look, nice cut lines, tailored look.
A great look for a job interview or a performance review

If you want to add volume where others have curves
this would be a great look for someone slim or tall
I wouldn't recommend this if you're curvy
 or plus size as it will add weight where you don't want it.

BUSTED:
 The shoes say "I'm going clubbing at lunchtime"
 while the suit conveys professionalism
 They are in conflict with each other.

RESOURCES:

What to Wear to Work 2016 - Best Office Fashions, Outfits, and Clothes ...

www.harpersbazaar.com/what-to-wear-to-work/

Fashion Shoot: Fall's Best Workwear. Chic, paycheck-savvy work clothesequal smart business By Photographs by Terry Richardson; FashionEditor: Joanna ...

‎5 Chic Suit + Loafer Pairings · ‎10 Blazers to Keep Forever · ‎Office Elegant

Work Wear | InStyle.com

www.instyle.com/fashion/work-wear

You can stop wondering what to wear to work to look as stylish as you do ... Sep 22, 2016 @ 7:30 AM ... Amal Clooney Means Business in an Office-Ready Two-Piece in Germany ... This Perfect Transitional Look Will Help You Ease into Fall.

Best Work Clothes for Women 2016 - Fashionable Work Outfits - Elle

www.elle.com/fashion/g8134/work-clothes-for-women/

Jul 5, 2016 - We've covered the 30 items every woman should own by the time they're 30 years old, but this tight edit is all you need to look polished at the ...

1000+ ideas about Women Business Fashion on Pinterest | Business ...

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/women-business-fashion/

See more about Business Fashion, Business Outfits Women and Work Dresses. ... Fall Fashion 2016 Office, Fall 2016 Fashion Outfits Work,Fall 2016 Office ...

1000+ ideas about Stylish Work Outfits on Pinterest | Work Outfits ...

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/stylish-work-outfits/

Business Casual Womens Fashion Fall Work Outfits, Fall Buisness Casual, Outfits Sexy Casual, 2016 Office Fashion, Business Casual SkirtOutfits, Winter Chic .

BOHEMIAN

Boho Chic – Bohemian Style For Summer 2016 | FashionGum.com

fashiongum.com/womens-fashion/boho-chic-bohemian-style-for-summer-2015/

... time to speak about the overall boho chic bohemian style for this Summer 2016 season. ... Those of you who dislike maxi dresses will for sure like maxi skirts.

Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2016 Trend: Bohemian Dresses ...

en.vogue.fr/fashion/fashion-inspiration/...fashion...2016...bohemian-dresses/22801

Sep 28, 2015 - Discover the bohemian, earth-mother, celestial silhouettes as seen on the ... FWPE16 Tendance mode de la Fashion Week printemps-ete 2016 ...

40 Adorable Boho Casual Outfits To Look Cool - Stylishwife

www.stylishwife.com/2014/11/adorable-boho-casual-outfits-to-look-cool.html

Apr 27, 2016 - 40 Best Fall Sweater Outfits To Try This Year - September 13, 2016 ... If you look at Bohemian casual outfits, they do fit the bill. Boho chic is ...

1000+ ideas about Bohemian Fashion on Pinterest | Free People ...

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/bohemian-fashion/

Find and save ideas about Bohemian Fashion on Pinterest, the world's ...2016 Hot Summer/^_^ Get one Ray Bans Only $9.9,Take advantage of Ray 

A REWARD
for keeping your attention
and you reading to the end

Gitty UP N git'R'done with UR #Stampede Get Up

 

"Courage is being scared to death .... and saddling up anyway" 

 ~JOHN WAYNE

The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth goes on in Calgary!  After devastation, evacuation and rejuvenation, the 101st Calgary Stampede 2013 is happening.  Here are the “must-haves” and “nice to haves” to fit in with the locals while in Calgary for Stampede July 5 to 14^th .

 

DO Dress Up … don’t be caught off guard like many visiting businesspeople do every year coming to Calgary during Stampede – wearing a business suit and sticking out that practically screams “not from these here parts”.  It is the one time of the year when a CEO looks like a Cowboy, and visitors blend in with local citizens.  What you need are the basics:

a.    Cowboy Boots – not everyone gets the royal treatment like 2011’s Parade Marshalls Prince William and Princess Kate or this year’s Chris Hadfield’s custom boots.  The best place to find them is The Alberta Boot Companyhttp://www.albertaboot.com/ For 34 years, Alberta Boot Company has outfitted Royalty, movie stars, entertainers, celebrities, athletes, public figures, religious leaders, and ordinary people from all over the world who are intrigued by the mystique of the Wild West!

 
b.    Jeans – Levis, Lee, Wrangler or designer jeans – whatever is your taste.  The best place to find that worn in look is at any of the 4 Value Village locations in Calgary,  Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9 | Sun 10-6.  Besides finding hoot’n’hollerin duds, you are supporting charities:  Cerebral Palsy, Diabetes, and Canadian Living Foundation http://www.valuevillage.com/

           

                      

  i.    104-58th Ave SE

   ii.    3405-34th St NE

 iii.    5720 Silver Springs Blvd NW #28

 iv.    Unit #1, 240 Midpark Way SE 

 

c.    Cowboy Hat – It doesn’t matter whether you don a Fedora, Stetson, Straw, or Canvas Hat, one size does not fit all!  They’re handy to have to ward off the heat or rain showers and the best place to find yours is SmithBiltHats http://www.smithbilthats.com/.  One of the biggest honors bestowed upon visitors and a symbol of Calgary hospitality is the “White Hat”  Ceremony.  The white hat has been cheered along with numerous celebrities and dignitaries on their visits to the city since the 1950s.  To book your white hat ceremony, email whitehat@tourismcalgary.com or look up the website http://www.visitcalgary.com/meetings/how-we-can-help/white-hat-ceremony

 

Adopting the hat as your signature piece, also means you must accept the responsibility of hat etiquette. Your uniqueness extends not only to you choice of headwear, but to mind your manners as well.

         

i.    Promptly remove your hat upon entering an elevator, restaurant, or someone’s home.

ii.    Never wear your hat during a meal.

iii.    Touch the brim of your hat lightly when greeting a friend.

iv.    Raise the hat by the crown when meeting a female friend in public.

v.    Remove your hat during the national anthem and place it over your heart.

 

d.    Belt Buckle – You don’t need one to blend in, however, it is nice to know the significance of the Belt Buckle as you see them as a fashion statement or a statement period.  Cowboy belt buckles originated in Hollywood, California and they weren’t worn by the cowboys on the range, they were worn by the cowboy stars of the silver screen during the 30s and 40s while Westerns were one of the most popular movie genres.  One famous cowboy in particular, John Wayne, was given one to him by director Howard Hanks for his performance in “Western Red River” (1948). 

Trophy belt buckles first appeared in the 1920s and were awarded as prizes.  Eventually, they became the rodeo equivalent of an Olympic Medal.  Over the years they got more valuable and elaborate with the event name, year and winner’s name engraved on them.

"Fashion is about dressing according to what's fashionable.  Style is more about being yourself."

~OSCAR DE LA RENTA

 

   e.    ENSEMBLE – If you don’t have time to shop or less inclined to, there are western retailers to help you giddy up with yur get up!  The most well-known is Lammle’s Western Wear with six locations Calgary :https://www.lammles.com/index.php/osCsid/fe8qcgdi99062bmt6n87p1pp05

 

i.      Downtown (Stephen Avenue Mall) –       211 – 8^th Avenue S.W.

ii.    Chinook Center – 6455 Macleod Trail S.

iii.    Willow Park Village - #3 575 10816                      MacLeod Trail S

iv.    Shawnessy – 230, 350 Shawville Blvd S.E.

v.    Crowfoot Village -- Unit 6, 98 Crowfoot Terrace NW

vi.    Market Mall -- 3625 Shaganappi Trail NW

 

 f.      LADIES: For you Buckeroos that want to help your Cowgirl put a stomp on fashion, help is on the way.  Like the previous advice, you can stampede your way and fit in splendidly.  However, most women like a feminine approach that both blends in and stands out.  Yeesh, says the fellas.

 

     i.  CASUAL:   Halter top, T, jean shorts and cowboy boots and hat.

     ii. FEMININE:  Flowered dress with jean jacket, cowboy boots and hat.

                 iii.  ADORN: Put the glitz hats, boots with sequins, studs, lace and feathers to make a personalized statement!

                 iv.  GUYS:  Impress her with a turquoise set of earrings, bangles, necklace or ring (bonus points: ALL)

                   v. MORE IDEAS:  Check out my Stampede 2013 Board on Pinterest for many more style options: http://pinterest.com/optioneerjm/boards/

 Now folks, you are all ready to hoot’n’holler with the best of them there Calgarians -- disguised as cowboys and cowgirls!  http://cs.calgarystampede.com/

"I want to be a Texan 24 hours a day"

~JAMES DEAN