Wear It Wednesday Makeup Tools

How often do you wash your makeup brushes? How long do you keep your mascara?

After I apply my makeup on Friday mornings, I wash my brushes and my Beauty Blender Sponge.

A bath in warm soapy dishwater and a thorough rinse under running water is followed by laying everything out on a clean towel to air dry.

I store brushes on my dressing table, far away from the bathroom. All sorts of bacteria live in the bathroom, so makeup and applicators do not belong there.

I throw out mascara, eyeliner, and eyeliner pencils every three months. Bacteria builds up on these products, and I don't want to chance an eye infection.

Once a year, I throw away old eyeshadow and blush. Makeup changes as it gets older and bacteria grow, so it's good to start fresh.

Never pump your mascara wand into the tube. You cause it to dry out faster.

I recently added this lucite organizer to my dressing table. I love having all the items I use most often at my fingertips.

My dressing table is this little antique desk I bought when I lived near New Orleans a few years ago. 

My parents gave me a small bench.

The best lighting I have ever gotten from a makeup mirror comes from this one by Ott.

I also use this type of mirror with 5x magnifying on one side.

The few minutes you spend putting on makeup each morning should be comfortable and pleasant. Your makeup should enhance your beauty, not cause health problems. 

This is the type of mirror I pack to take with me for travel. I sit in front of a window to put on makeup if possible.

What tips would you share for storing and keeping your products safe to use?

Fabrizio Gianni Jacket

I am featuring another great item sent to me by Fabrizio Gianni.

This lightweight stretch jean jacket has become one of my favorites. I have worn it a couple of times already.

The soft fabric conforms to your body, and the cut is very feminine, unlike many of the very boxy jean jackets I have tried.

Fabrizio Gianni creates high-quality items that are made from superior fabrics right here in the USA.

ICU Readers

ICU Eyewear recently sent me some great readers to try.

I like the lightweight frames and the larger lenses very much. They also come with a protective cover so that they don't get scratches while not in use.

Both styles are modern and comfortable to wear with a 1.25 strength.

Fabrizio Gianni Pants

It was time for a night at the symphony, which means Mr. Mickey and I had an elegant dinner at Gourmet and Company before attending the performance.

This evening I wore a really fabulous pair of pants from Fabrizio Gianni. I was unaware of this company until they offered to send me a few pieces to try. When I opened the box, I was immediately very impressed with the quality of both the fabric and the superior design details. Their items are made in the USA and created for women who value quality and fit above trendy.

These top-stitched legging pants have a wide waistband and are made with comfortable stretch fabric with spandex so that they hug you close without appearing too tight.

I will be wearing these pants often during the holiday season since they look great with either my favorite short boots or the black pumps I enjoy wearing so often.

It is freezing for East Tennessee at this time of year, so I am wearing several thin layers. I know from experience the concert hall is normally a bit cool and the long walk to the parking area at the end of the performance can be bone-chilling. 

I wore layers, including a long sleeve black tee over a thin black tank top, a cobalt blue boiled wool jacket, and finally a faux leather-trimmed ruana as a topper. The bottom half of me also remained snug and warm in these knit legging pants. The quality of the fabric makes a huge difference!

The shop windows are already dressed in Christmas decorations!

My favorite long over lean look worked well for me again. I received many compliments and remained warm even on the long brisk walk to the car at the end of another perfect evening with Mr. Mickey.

You will see more items from Fabrizio Gianni on this blog. I am now a big fan of their quality and timeless style that will last through years of wear.

Santa Fundraiser

You may remember that Mr. Mickey has played Santa to a group of children who might not otherwise have much of a Christmas in years past.

A dear friend started the tradition of hosting a Christmas pizza party for some local needy children and their parents or guardians. Each child receives a coat, school clothes, a pair of shoes, and a toy.

Over the years, other friends have joined in to help fund the project. Last evening all those friends gathered to enjoy a wine and cheese fundraiser for next year's project, including an evening with "Santa."

Since I am Santa's date for the evening, I always wear something red. This year I wore a vintage red St. John Knit jacket, which was a gift from my dear friend Mitzi. I paired it with faux leather ponte jean leggings. The BCBGeneration zipper shoes from Dillard's were a big hit!

When I wear a piece that makes a bold statement, such as the jacket with the trademark St. John gold buttons and the zipper shoes, I let those items take the limelight. Adding a necklace or bold earrings would have been too much clutter.

The season of excess is upon us. In addition to numerous all you can eat buffet dinners, I will be avoiding glitzy sweaters, bright red lipstick, too much blush, and big sparkly matching earrings and necklaces.