Monday Musings- A Quick Visit To The Desert
Happy Monday, ladies. My brain is buzzing with many things this week. I just got home from a very quick (48 hr) trip to Palm Springs. I arrived wearing colors and clothes that fit where I live, but after an hour in the desert, I began to feel like I was wearing boring clothes:)
Palm Springs
It wasn’t hot, but the vibe seemed to call for brighter colors and more relaxed shapes. Removing my structured blazer helped, but not enough. I wanted to be wearing flowing, bright cheery fabrics but the one caftan I brought never saw the light of day during this trip because it’s a style stretch for me.
To fly home, I pulled out all the stops and wore my blue sweater! Still not vibrant but more colorful than neutrals.
And why was I in Palm Springs? A color analysis that blew my mind. I shouldn’t be surprised at the results, but I am. I have much to absorb about what I learned and I’ll share more in the near future. I expect this will be my last color consultation for some time because I finally found one that convinced me of my true season.
Miracles
I’ve been meaning to read A Course In Miracles for many years and have been intimidated by its length. My friend kept insisting I needed to get into it so when I found great reviews for this abbreviated audible book, I decided it was a great starting point. Have you read A Course In Miracles?
WOW
This Wow hair shine spray is simply amazing! It’s not the least bit oily or greasy and does not change the texture of my hair. It’s the last thing I spray on my hair in the morning and gives it a sparkling shine. It’s one of my best finds in a long time.
pink and pinker
I’ve been slowly building my collection of Bare Minerals lipstick over the last few months and loving them. They’re hydrating without being goopy and stay on very, very well… which matters under a mask. I’ve been focusing on the pinks but plan to dive into other shades as well. My latest is the Creativity which is so pretty on.
What’s in a name?
I think of myself as modern and as progressive as the next woman. For some reason, the name of some beauty products disturbs me. I was shopping for eyeshadow on Saturday and found one I liked by Urban Decay. I assumed I wouldn’t buy it because most of their product names are edgy. I was thrilled to discover it is simply called “Mushroom” so I bought it and love it. It looks very metallic but goes on fairly matte, go figure.
They make a great mascara called Perversion which I stopped using because that name bothered me. I know those types of names are part of their branding message, but I’m determined to bring beauty and elegance into my life this year, and they turn me off. Am I alone here?
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Thank you for sharing the WOW product you are using to make your hair so shiny. Beautiful results, and your positive review is also appreciated.
Ha! I was in PS yesterday! I missed you!
Am looking forward to hearing about your colour consultation. So happy for you! -Brenda-
I agree- Urban Decay’s product names turned me off too. However, years ago an Ulta employee (a male!) told me that their eye pencils were the best and I’ve been using them ever since! While a lot of their eye pencils have edgy colors there are neutral ones too- even “Mushroom” which I use daily!
I saw some very offensive names in Nars products and now don’t want any of that brand. Glad to know I am not the only one. Can’t wait to read about your color consult. I had one done to celebrate my retirement and it has been so helpful. I think the lady I used nailed it.
That’s wonderful!
Great post! Can’t wait to hear about your trip! Give me a call when you have a chance!
I like Bare Minerals eye shadow which goes on matte but looks metallic. Kind of magical. I do like there lipsticks too. Great color and nice texture. I would be a bit afraid of a company named Urban Decay.
I am interested in reading “A Course in Miracles”. Sounds very up-lifting. 😊
Totally with you on product names. Maybe it’s being an adult that makes us care. Take perversion: it may not bother 20 (or even 30) – somethings, but the meaning is unpleasant even before the sexual connotations. It also angers me that many of these words / names are anti women. Why do we want to support that? As other women have said, there are plenty of other products out there. The F-bomb always makes me think of my dad, an English teacher, who when faced with profanity mocked the folks using it, stating that they had the vocabulary of a parrot. (And not a well-brought up parrot at that – LOL)
LOL, I always assume they just can’t think of anything more intelligent to say:)
I know the feeling of looking out of place. On a trip to Scotland I took a beautiful periwinkle blue raincoat. I stood out like a beacon! Everyone there wore black coats. There used to be a website you could go to to see what street wear was like in different cities around the globe. I’m from Oregon which is extremely casual, so it was very helpful for a trip to Chicago. I haven’t tried to find that site for quite awhile.
I know you travel with just a carry on. I’d love to see a post about what you take for skincare, makeup and hair products. I find it very hard to do when it comes to packing these liquid items in the allowed baggie.
I am picturing your periwinkle raincoat and wishing I had one. No matter where I wore it:) Liquids are a struggle, I agree but travel sizes are super helpful. I decant most thjings or use travel sizes. I actually forgot my hair gel and spray so was grateful for my sunhat:)
One time while traveling in Switzerland/Germany, I was wearing a bright maroon coat- that I loved- and my family like it as they could spot me in a crowd, and would never lose me! 🙂
Love your hair! It looks fabulous! Hope you had a wonderful time in Palm Springs and am looking forward to hearing about your color analysis. There are makeup brands I walk right by because of their names and what they conjure (such as Urban Decay). So, I get it. Your travel wardrobe was great for traveling but did tend to be more “business casual” than resort; hence, the feeling of needing to lighten up. It’s hard for me to think resort wear when it’s currently 30 degrees here with 5 inches of snow on the ground (and, I’m in South Carolina!).
Agreed!
Hi, Enjoyed your post as always.
I would love the name of the color consultant you had an appointment with in Palm Springs.
We only live a bit over an hour away and would love to book an appointment on your recommendation. I am 62 and think I had my colors done in my 20’s? Needless to say I need a refresh & PS is always a good idea. One of our favorite places. Did you stay anywhere special or dine anywhere special?
I understand about how you felt about your clothes in PS.
I wear mainly black so have to always lighten it up when we go to the desert.
Thanks in advance for your reply and delightful blog.
We didn’t stay anywhere special and grabbed quick meals at a very ordinary restaurant. The trip was so quick we honesty had time for very little fun. PS is always a great idea. I will email you.
I’m so glad you got to experience the desert! Yes, there is a difference. We live in New Mexico now, although I’m from Seattle and I “get” subdued (all black). There is something a bit child like about southwest Santa Fe style, fresh light colors and fabrics, a bit ourdoorsy, and embroidery, eyelet, cotton and linen tops, jeans of course, along with more dresses are worn here. Flat shoes, any manner of sneakers and leather or sport sandals, booties too. Only the most casual of coats, a vest or cardigan when needed, never a blazer, rarely a scarf (dang). But the simplicity is infectious, makes you want to go out and play! How ’bout a post on it?
We have been talking about a visit to Santa Fe and your description has me itching to go. My mom took me once many years ago but my children were small which put a different spin on it for sure. Lucky you!!
I had a similar experience years ago wearing my AL clothes in MN. It was somewhat positive, though, as people were stopping me and asking where they could get a purse like mine or other items I was wearing.
I sometimes pick products based on names, especially nail polish, such fun names. I would never buy a product with an offensive name though. Obviously, they are targeting the young. I find it strange that products are geared to the young when our generation has the buying power. Perhaps, it’s because the young buy more. In many cases, they are not afraid to rack up debt. When in Sephora, I noticed most ladies are young. I’ve never had a problem with service at the Ottawa store. What has your experience been?
I’m assuming Wow hair spray is only for color treated hair. I’d like to find a product that adds shine to grey.
Wow adds shine to all hair. Not just color-treated so it’s great on gray hair.
I would love the name of the lady you saw also. I live about an hour from there and would love to get my colors done.
Thank you.
I sent you an email
You always look beautiful and I love your candor!!!!
I am a fan of Pam Grout and I’m reading A Course In Miracles Experiment.
I am also a fan of your blog. Thanks for continuing to give us great advice
Thank you, Linda
Well, through my monitor you look like a “Light Summer” with your ash blonde hair. No matter how many quizzes I take that’s what I test as. Personally, I don’t like the season. I just find the colors too bright and not very sophisticated.
Each system has different criteria and palettes. I don’t like some of the colors in mine, so I just don’t plan to wear them.
I like things that surround me to have uplifting names. I’m the same with perfume. I don’t like the name My sin but Joy, now there’s a name I like. I think I’ll give that shine spray a try. I love for my silver hair to be shiny. I usually wear neutrals because I like them but there’s no doubt that color belongs in our wardrobe. Total neutral is boring. Wearing a burgundy sweater with leopard trim makes me feel happy.
And no matter our season or coloring, we need to wear what makes us happy!!
Here’s an idea: use us as color consultants. After looking at you in many different colors over the years, we know what looks great on you. Here’s my take….besides cream and ivory, you look wonderful in soft blues. Also soft pinks, light soft greens…certain grays…but soft soft soft….and same for the kind of fabric. The harsh geometrics of a Nordic sweater are not for you. If I had to pick one color, it would be blue.
I have never believed we are one season or another. I think we are too individual for that.
Would like to hear the opinions of others about what colors really light you up and what ones don’t.
I think our best friends can be our color consultants.
LOL, I suspect few will be surprised at the season I was typed, however, it is more specific than most. This system has some checks and balances to be sure it’s accurate. Not everyone wants a palette but I had been typed in so many different seasons, I felt the need for some professional clarification.
When I think of Urban Decay, I thought they were targeting a younger consumer base so never have been curious to even try it. Too many other competitors out there that seem better suited to my age and my taste.