Ask Jae!

Yay! Ask Jae posts are my fave and I haven't done one in eons. PS I use the term "eons" way too much for it to be feasible. Just a note.

Anyway, thanks to all who sent over their questions. I try to answer them personally via email, but when they stack up I start to get overwhelmed and it's easier to do them all in one shot. So let's do it. But not "it" it. Get your mind out of the gutter.

Loni asked "I have two navy skirts that I love. Both of these skirts were originally part of nautical- inspired Spring/Summer collections. I have grown tired of the nautical look. What else can I wear with a navy skirt?"

OK, I am a lover of all things nautical, but I can see how a navy skirt could get boring if that's the only way you've worn it. So I've created three looks with nary a stripe in sight. Here's how I'd style a navy pencil skirt.

VILA all over print shirt, $38 / H&M top, $23 / Top, $36 / Mango knee length pencil skirt, $35 / Patent leather peep toe pumps / Shoe Republic pointed toe shoes / Multi strand gold necklace / Dorothy Perkins gold cuff bracelet / Fantasy Jewelry Box yellow earrings / Amrita Singh jewelry / Oasis scarve, $33 / Forever New waist belt, $17 / Stone slant keeper skinny

First, how about a monochromatic thing? I like monochromatic looks because nothing really has to match. It's like, they're all blue so they can get along regardless. Or, I really like gray and mustard as accent colors to make the navy pop. Finally, florals look really fresh when paired with navy instead of black, since black can be a bit harsh. Note that all of the accessories are gold, nude or white. That's because summer is coming and you want crisp lines... perfect for work. Does that help?


Wendy asked: "I'm 41, have dark circles under my eyes (always), and I'm noticing that instead of being "puffy" under the eyes (like most eye creams are made for), my skin looks to be sinking in a bit...and of course, it's thin and delicate."

Oh, Wendy, I feel your pain. I too don't get puffy eyes, I get shadowy eyes. And it suuuucks to look tired all the time. I also can tell that my skin is changing with age because it doesn't perk right up like it used to. I know you're using concealer, but are you using the right color? For shadows, you definitely want something yellow-toned. I used a yellow concealer and literally paint it on with a concealer brush. Then, use a champagne-colored eyeshadow rather than a white to dot the tear ducts to help them look brighter.



I also use apple cider vinegar (I KNOW) to help brighten up dull skin. I pour equal parts of water and unfiltered ACV in a spray bottle and then use it as a toner at night. Because of its acid content, it works like a mini peel and I've seen a huge difference in fine lines and brighter eyes in the morning. Plus, it's cheap and you get it at the grocery store. How awesome is that?

Megan asked: "I know you color your hair. I do mine darker, but it seems to fade really fast after I color it and it's so frustrating! How the heck do I keep it looking nice?"

Well, when I went from light to dark for the first time ever, I noticed that my hair color was fading wayyyy faster than when I was a true brunette. And you know what? My shampoo was the culprit. It was stripping my hair. So I do a couple of things now. First, I switched to a sulfate-free shampoo. I like the EverStrong collection from L'Oreal. Then -- and this might sound gross -- but I wash my hair way less than before. I work out almost every day, which means a daily shower and what used to be a daily hair washing. Now, I thankfully -- I almost wrote "stankfully" ahahahah -- I still shower every day, but I keep my hair in a tight bun and then use dry shampoo afterward. I really scrub my hair two or three times per week and that keeps my color looking pretty darn good.

Jamie wrote: "How old is too old to pull off the colored jean? Talking fun pastels that I see everywhere right now."

Here's the thing, Jamie. I dislike when someone doesn't try something because they're afraid they can't pull it off or they're too old. THAT'S LAME. Unless it's a butt-caressing mini-skirt, you should give it a try. However, I will give you the same advice that I gave my sister-in-law when she tried colored jeans for the first time. She's a few years older than me and we started gently with almost-neutrals for the first time, like a rusty orange instead of like, neon pink. You can then ease into it. As for pastels, I really like aqua blue and mint green, even if you're a bit older. You can pair them with nudes and it looks more mature and less like you bought them at Claires. 

This, from Marilda:  "How to dress stylish and comfortable when travelling. Think airport security hassle, taking shoes off, etc... No more sweat pants or leggings that ARE NOT PANTS!"


(my perf travel outfit)

I travel a lot... usually three or four times a year. With two small children. And getting through security is THE WORST. And, thank you for acknowledging that leggings are indeed, not pants. Would you hate me if I told you that I usually travel in maxi dresses? Don't think that I'm high maintenance -- just think about it. They don't have belts. They're flowy and comfortable. I can wear them with flats that slip on and off at security. They look cute at your destination. Seriously, it's my fave way to travel. And at least it doesn't have "Juicy" written on the bum.

Rachelle (who is another one of my sisters-in-law and who I shop with regularly lol) asked: "How to find jeans (skinny and regular) for the not so very tall person. What are some brands that last? Where are some good stores?"

 
(my favorite straight skinnies)

Before I recommend brands and stores, can I expound upon the difference between a skinny straight and a skinny tapered jean? Because that's where the difference comes in. If you're tall and leggy, by all means, go for that skin-tight skinny jean that tapers at the end. I shall not be joining you. I Have long legs and a laughably short torso, which puts me at a whopping 5'4". I always ALWAYS look for a skinny straight jean, where the knee and the hen are roughly the same width. These will look better on shorter people because they elongate rather than stumpifying. If you can't tell by looking, fold the jean up at the knee. You want the hems and the knees to match up width-wise.

And honestly (and I'm not just saying this because they've sponsored my blog in the past) I love my Liverpool Abby jeans. They're straight without being tapered but aren't baggy around the angle. I love 'em. If you're looking for cheaper, Refuge jeans -- sold at Charlotte Russe -- has a solid skinny jean that doesn't taper and I've had mine since the start of this blog. Also, dark colors are your friends. I love black, dark denim and even dark colors, like red, for making the leg look longer and taller. 

One more thing: If you want to try skinnies but aren't sure about it, wear them with knee-high boots. It's universally flattering and less scary.  Or, try cuffing them and wearing them with heels rather than flats, like so: 



What I'm saying is that after fit and structure, the way you style your skinnies will make a ha-yuge difference in what they do for your bod.

Amy asked me to "Do a how to use make-up brushes such as a fan brush."

Your wish is my command, Amy. At least it was in the past. Check out these makeup tutorials that can help you figure out what the heck to use your brushes for:

Beauty 101: Makeup Brushes
Jae's Guide to Corrective Coloring
How to Hide a Superhonkingirnormous Zit
How to Contour Your Face with Makeup

Let me know if you're still stumped! 


And last, but not least, Jared requested -- on my fan page, natch: "How to convince your man that shorts in the winter is not cool. I tried searching for an ehow article to no avail."

Let me point out a few things. Jared is my brother-in-law and thinks he's soooo funny. Jared also, for reasons that are unknown to me, likes wearing shorts all winter long. Like, I will see him trudging through three feet of snow in cargo shorts. I have tried and tried to convince him -- along with his wife -- that wearing shorts during the winter isn't smart. But, since it has yet to work, I suggest a) moving to Arizona or b) divorce. It's tough love to stop the madness. 


Alright, that's it for this edition of "Ask Jae." Thanks to everyone who sent along questions, except for Jared, who I know is sitting somewhere laughing and laughing at his own cleverness right now. 

What I Wore: Party Pooper

OK, so I didn't make it around to a post on Friday. I shall apologize by performing a massive pic dump today so you know what I was up to around here. My daughter turned 7 last week, as my Facebook friendsies know, and remember when I said I was prone to indulgence? Yeah, I pretty much kill myself over birthday parties. I figure with only two kids, I might as well. Addie's birthday lasted like, four days and I'm pretty much dead. Seriously, I'm posting from beyond the grave. I'm just a really dedicated blogger like that.

First, we kicked it off with a trip to the aquarium. And I wore this:

 Top: Downeast Basics
Tank: Charlotte Russ (I've literally had this since my first year of marriage)
Skinnies: Ardene (Canada)
Boots: Breckelle's
Jacket: Steve Madden
Earrings, ring: F21
Watch: XOXO

 I wear my hair like this five out of seven days and I don't caaaaaare.

I'm an "outings mom," which means I'm only good at going places with my kids. At our own house I have no idea what to do with them. My son will ask me to play cars and I start acting like I don't remember childhood. BUT! At the aquarium, there was a petting pool and there was a shark who loved to be petted so much that she would literally jump out of the water. At least, I think it's because she wanted to be petted. It might have been bloodlust. Whatever, it was adorable slash horrifying.

The next day was her actual birthday. She had asked for an American Girl and I kept playing like they were too expensive (which they actually are) and that I didn't have time to order one, even though it was safely stowed in my guest room closet for weeks. PS buying one literally made me want to vomit a little. It's an exorbitant amount for a doll.

But then, when she opened it I got this reaction: 

And it was worth every penny. She is SO my child.

Also, that is me yelling at my daughter to pen the red one first and then calling her a dork. Mom of the Yeeear! 

My life the past four days has been nothing but finding accessories for that doll. We are not the proud owners of a tiny wrought-iron bed, a small set of mittens and a little beret and matching coat along with a plethora of clothes. Siiiiiiiiiiigh.

The day after, it was party time. I don't know why I kill myself over kid's parties. I don't even like them. But alas, I have major mom guilt the rest of the year and this is how I make up for the fact that I don't know how to play with my children.

 

My house was awash in pink and purple.

And nail polish.

And giant ponies. If you guessed that we had a pony party, you're very good at stating the obvious. Bravo! 

Anyway, we had seven kids and set up a station at each pony for an activity, like dress up, nail painting, art and a magic show, put on by my daughter who is obsessed with weird things like magic, dinosaurs and zombies. Also, American Ninja Warrior. JUST LIKE NORMAL THINGS PLEASE.

We also had a family party yesterday, with my husband's side and my momma, who flew down for the festivities. Addie has a cousin with a birthday the day before hers and it's magical because there's someone to share the cake with. Hallelujah and thank you for large fams. 

 

SO yeah. That was my last four days. I am super tired now. Luckily, my internal clock woke me at 5:30 this morning. Thanks, internal clock. You're a real freakin' gem. 

Oh, also, a housekeeping note. I've been getting questions via email in the last week and thought I'd do another "Ask Jae" post on Wednesday. If you have any fashion-y, style, hair or makeup q's that have been burning deep inside your heart, submit them via email (see the sidebar) or Facebook (see the link at the start of this post). I'll get to them on Wednesday and it will be fantastic. 

How to: Shop for Shoes Online

Hey, newsflash: I like to shop for shoes. Like, a lot. As in, my closet is overflowing with the 130+ pairs of shoes that I can't stop buying. I attribute it back to my first pregnancy. I didn't get huge or anything, but things didn't fit well and I had an awkward baby belly that wasn't big enough for maternity clothes but was too big for normal clothes. It was a dark time for me. I turned to shoes. Shoes always fit. Shoes didn't judge. Shoes were pretty.

Fast forward seven years and I'm still totally obsessed. And one of my favorite ways to add to my collection is to shop for deals online. Seriously, I buy a huge amount of cheap shoes online, thanks to coupon codes, sales and the fact that I do it on a daily basis. But shopping for shoes online can also be a little tricky, so I've got some tips if you're going to be trolling the interwebz for pretty shoes.

1) Look for brands you already own.

This is something I do with online clothes shopping as well. It's probably the only time I could be considered "brand loyal." It's just that if I shop via brand, I know for sure what size will fit me, since I've already got some in my closet. For instance, I love Chinese Laundry shoes. I'm a 7.5. When I see CL shoes on sale, I don't have to hum and haw over the fit, since I already know. I heart online shoe superstores that have most popular brands of women's shoes since I can sort via the brands I already own and buy that way.

2) Read the reviews.

This is a MUST, people. Reviews are golden because they save you from making the same mistakes someone else has already made, like ordering too narrow or buying a shoes that's totally uncomfortable. I always check out the user reviews for comments on the way the shoes fit, whether or not they run true to size and how comfortable/easy they are to walk in. I mean, obviously I sometimes still buy shoes even if they aren't easy to walk in, but at least I'm prepped.

3. Shop around.

I made a rookie mistake on V-Day when I bought these cute boots at the mall. I loved these MIA Crusaders and bought 'em on the spot. The coolest part about them is that the studs make a spur noise when you walk and make me feel like I'm in True Grit, which is my favorite Western of all time. ANYWAY, I got home and started thinking about buying them in black so I looked them up online. Guess what? I totally overpaid. I found them cheaper online. Before you buy, plug the shoe brand and name into Google Shopping and you'll probably find the shoes you want for cheaper -- especially if there's a coupon code involved. Sweet, sweet coupon codes how I love you.

4. Make sure there's a darn good return policy.

Buying shoes online means you don't get to try them on, so you're sorta flying blind. There's been times where I bought shoes from a brand I knew and did everything right -- and they still didn't fit all that well when I got them. Seriously, I have one pair of heels that were so tight that they literally made me lightheaded when I wore them. That's why you need to check the return policy before you buy. Gold standard is free returns, but it'll vary from store to store. Just know what you're getting into so you can send the shoes back if they're totally heinous.

5. Hide the boxes from your husband.

Then, when he asks if your shoes are new, shrug noncommittally and mumble something about having them for a while. Just trust me on that.

Let's recap here:
Shopping for shoes online = good.
Shopping without thinking = bad.
Having a good return policy = good.
Owning up to it = bad.

What I Wore: Sloppy Jae

OK, this has to be quick because I'm heading out to lunch and am still all sweaty and unshowered from my morning workout. I have been so very unproductive today. So it makes sense that I would be abandoning everything on my to-do list for Mexican food. Because you never say no to Mexican food.

 Yesterday I was feeling kind of shlubby and didn't want to squeeze myself into ANYTHING, which is where this sloppy ensemble came from. Sloppy boots, sloppy scarf and sloppy sweater equal a sloppy Jae and I'm OK with that.

 Sweater: Gap
Scarf: H&M (a gift from my brother!)
Skirt: White House Black Market
Boots: MIA
Cuff: Local
Ring: 1928
Earrings: F21

 I heart these boots and have worn them for a week straight. They were my V-Day boots how romantic.

 

And lest you think I'm a complete slob, you should see that at least my socks matched my sweater. I'm not a barbarian.

I promise that next week, I'll post something that I had to like, put effort into. But considering I'm about to completely binge, I'll probably need a few days before I can squeeze into anything other than yoga pants. Also, my mom is coming tomorrow. This means mom-food all week long. Sometimes she says she's not going to cook when she visits. And then we laugh and laugh and she makes me things like egg sandwiches. It's awesome.

Freaky Friday: Year of the Snake

The other day Tracy sent me some awesome Freaky Friday fodder. SO awesome was it that I decided to base my whole post on it. Also, it's the Year of the Snake, so I'm totally on point with this one.

 It was these leggings. The write up for them says:
"

"If you've ever wanted to experience life as a snake, fashion designer Camille Cortet can help. Her pants are designed to break down and shed like a snake's skin."

OK, I have to stop you right there. When the beginning of your product description starts with "If you've ever wanted to experience life as a _______ (insert any wild animal here)" I Have an immediate problem. Because that's some Strange Addiction stuff goin' on.

ALSO. So you start out wearing pants and by the end of the day they're gone? How does that work with like, grocery shopping and banking and stuff that normal people do, exactly. I feel like I should start just forgoing pants and tell people that I WAS wearing them, but they shed.

I just... I don't even....

I love me some snakeskin. I think it's a neutral animal print and best if you're wary of the boozy cougar-ness that can afflict leopard print. But that doesn't mean all python is good python.

That was not a suggestive joke.

 THIS, however, is a very suggestive dress. And by dress I mean underwear. And by underwear I mean prostitute uniform.

 This was 70 percent off BUT WHY. I've been looking for really bad 80s maternity clothes for so long!

 If Jerry Seinfeld was really into fashion.

 These shoes look like they want to eat babies for strength and that makes me uncomfortable.

 Hey, I love an accent nail as much as the next gal, but when they can be considered as weapons, it might be a bit much.

Also, is it weird that I kind of want to put googly eyes on the snake nail? IT WOULD BE SO FUNNY.

Fashionable Frankenstein likes trends too.

OF COURSE I would find a python jumpsuit and lose all faith in humanity and cry into a pillow. 

Why WHY do they have to ruin a perfectly good print. I'll never know. I guess I'll console myself my eating my feelings. I bought a two-pound bag of Mini Eggs the other day and have a lofty goal to eat it ASAP. It's the only thing that makes me feel better.

Going Commando

Ha, you totally thought this post would be about going sans undies, right? Because just in case I didn't have enough sexual deviants visiting my page, I wanted to invite some more.

But seriously, this is about the military trend and "Going Commando" was the only thing I come up with. There was also a period in high school when I didn't know what it meant and would use it to describe my brother's computer activity. "I would have chatted with you on ICQ, but my brother was going commando and wouldn't let me on the computer UGH." Yup, I was an awkward teen and made everyone uncomfortable.

SO, have you guys noticed that military is kind of a big deal lately? I will admit that I'm kind of a pacifist. Cut me some slack, I'm Canadian. We're all hippies. The first time I ever shot a gun I cried for 30 straight minutes and went into a "WHO AM I" shame spiral because I felt like I was betraying my roots. I haven't shot one since. But, while war scares me, military clothes DELIGHT me. They are adorable and boyish and structured and everything I love about fashion.



Want some tips on how to wear military-inspired clothes without looking like a new recruit? I KNOW YOU DO.

Military by jacquelineportercurtis featuring camo jeans

Step 1. Look for stuff that fits tight. Wearing a cute pair of camo skinny crops is one thing. Wearing actual cargo pants is another. Military coat = yes. Oversized bomber = what the heck.

Step 2: Choose one military-inspired piece. ONE. Anything more and you're going to look GI Joe and while that's all well and good for The Rock, it's not OK for a garden-variety mom.

Step 3. Mix it with something girly. You need to have some feminine accent, whether it's a cinch-y belt, a flower brooch, an a-line skirt, whatever. Just something that says "I may look tough, but I cry at The Notebook and have a crush on Ryan Reynolds."

Step 4. Add something bright. The new-school way to wear khaki, olive and camo is with bright colors. I love it especially with cobalt and that reddy-orange that everyone was wearing last year. It just makes the look clearly fashion rather than fatigues oh I am so funny.

Step 5. Wear aviators and feel cool. That's what I do.

Military is pretty much everything this spring, so what say ye? Will you jump on the bandwagon? You totally can, even if you're scared of confrontation and you think camouflage looks better in the mall than in the woods. 

What I Wore: Going Barefoot

Yay me and my husband finally got to go on our Valentine's date night and it was lovely. I ate way more than a person of my size should ever be able to eat and then we caught a late movie. Because we were just going to dinner and a movie, I thought it would be a faaaantastic idea to wear uncomfortable shoes. I was going to be sitting the whole time, right? So I suited up and we ate and it was fine. Then, we parked at an alternate entrance to the movie theater and walked in, but after the movie ended, the entrance was locked and we had to hike all the way around the building back out to our car. And I wanted to saw my feet off. And I cursed the god of shoes who was probably laughing at me. Finally, my hubs decided to piggyback me out to the car, which caused my shoes to fall off. I ended up running barefoot the rest of the way because I'm a classy broad like that. I'm even classier when this is all going down in leather pants and snakeskin.

 Tank: I can't remember and it's in the wash so I'll tell you later PS I'm the worst style blogger EVER.

Cardi-jacket thingy: Joe Fresh
Pants: H&M
Cuff: Marc Jacobs
Shoes: The fires of hell/F21

Rings: Tiffany/Inspired Silver
Necklace: Buckle

Fun story about these awesome sauce pants -- they sound like I'm wrestling a bouncy house when trying to put them on. I was with my little brother when I bought them and he was outside the fitting room giggling because he could hear my struggle. Because they are TIGHT. But so coooool. Like, it's impossible to feel uncool wearing leathery pants. I just wanted to run off and audition for a White Snake video or something. 

 Look! I'm smiling because this was the beginning of the night and my shoes had not yet destroyed my will to live!

I've been shuffling around in my TOMS with a big 'ol Band-Aid on my foot ever since. Is there anything grosser than foot Band-Aids? I mean, honestly. Also, our babysitter thought it was pretty weird when I came home shoeless. But it was worth it. Also, those shoes are being thrown in the back of my closet and ignored for the next six months because I'm passive aggressive like that.