Eye-4-Style

NARS was developed in 1994 by Francois Nars and is a terrific makeup line. I’m a follower due to its highly pigmented color and sleek black presentation. I’ve had  knowledgeable makeup artists develop combinations for me that work well with my skin color and enhance my green eyes. NARS National Artist Lisa LeSeur put together a new color palette for me this day which I really like. I bought new eye shadows, eye liner, blush and lipsticks. It’s a nice change and a softer lip color. I met Lisa LeSeur at the NARS counter at Nordstrom at the International Plaza in Tampa, Florida.  Brandi Perkins with NARS at Saks in Naples is my usual go-to girl, but when Brandi told me Lisa LeSeur would be coming for the NARS event, I was anxious to see what Lisa had in mind for me. Get to know your “makeup artists” because if they are familiar with you, they know what will work for you. They even let me know when new colors come in that they think will work for me. I’m still one that picks up a cosmetic or two at the drug stores, but I’m the most satisfied when I can try the makeup and have an expert help me!

I’ve wanted to blog about this night and maybe this is in time for your New Year’s Eve plans. I was invited to the Nordstrom Christmas Party at Waterside Shops in Naples, Florida, where we were met with champagne, wine and delicious hors’oeuvres . I was able tackle my shopping list and had a grand time while doing so! Anyway, what to wear to this event? I went digging in the closet. Sometimes you hold on to a dress because it’s easy to wear, easy to launder and feels great. I brought out a Laundry by Shelli Segal dress that I’ve had for …well…, let’s just say it’s been a while.  I’d been to Chicago 10 days before the party and at Nordstrom bought a great pair of black Christian Dior heels that are fabulous as well as comfortable.  Juicy by Juicy Couture on Oak Street had fun stockings and leggings and I paired these new purchases with my “back of the closet” dress. The John Hardy earrings and bracelet didn’t overwhelm the look and the little eggplant Prada purse added a nice touch. The whole outfit was a big hit and compliments confirmed I did a good job. So if you haven’t picked up a new outfit for your New Year’s Eve party, maybe it’s time to go shopping in your closet!

Aren’t we getting tired?  The days of December can be so stressful as you shop for gifts and then there’s the outfits for parties or get-togethers.  I can offer you a suggestion I’ve found to be very helpful: take the lead from the mannequins.  When I approach a clothing department, I look over the displays to determine if there is something there that will work for me.  Displays are great for gift ideas too. While I would hesitate to buy someone a pair of jeans, I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to purchase a top, sweater or accessory.  The visual does it for me and is a quick, easy tool for getting the job done. If you don’t see the item nearby the display, the sales staff can easily show you where to find it.  Of course, you’ll still find me scouring the racks and I’m a good “hunter/gatherer,” but the display usually sets the tone for what you’ll find nearby. 

Here at Nordstrom at Waterside Shops in Naples, Florida, you have an outfit display for holiday gatherings but I especially like the Tory Burch purse shown with those outfits.  I may not have noticed that purse in the purse department, but here it really stands out. For the casual outfit or fun gift ideas, the cardigan sweater below is a winner in my book.  The middle sweater is cute and if you have more to spend, include the hat!