As I mentioned in my last post, before we dive into our series on spring trends and OD on fabulous femininity, I wanted to balance the equation with some masculinity.  Taking a couple of posts to cover a very interesting wave that's been coming ashore. The real men who seem to be making a comeback.  And it's fabulous.  Real women need real men.

It all started when I saw this Dockers advertisement.
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  • Once upon a time, men wore the pants, and wore them well. I love a man who knows how to wear his clothes, instead of them wearing him. Or trying to escape from him, as we'll discuss in another post.
  • Women rarely had to open doors... my husband is so good at this. Real women know it's a sign of respect.
  • ...and little old ladies never crossed the street alone.  I actually witnessed this several years ago.  I was in Manhattan for work, freezing my biscuits off the first week of December and hoofing it as fast as I could the two blocks to the MOMA to warm up for a few minutes.  A group of us left opposing corners at the same time and not far behind me was an old women working her way across the street.  It was incredibly windy and the couple of small grocery bags she was holding were whipping around furiously.  It was the plastic rustling sound behind me that caught my attention.  I turned to see what it was and saw a man who had passed me a moment ago stop, turn around, fall in step beside her and, while asking if he could help her, blocked the wind with his bag and coat.  I actually got teary-eyed.  He didn't wait for the long thank you I'm sure she would have delivered, he just saw her to the other side, where the buildings now offered wind protection, and took off again.  I yelled, "You're a stud!" and hoped he heard it.
  • Men took charge because that's what they did.  Do any of you follow Pioneer Woman's blog? I can so relate when she says that her husband taking charge makes her go weak in the knees. Her heart to go rapidly pitter-pat.  Does the same to me.  Makes me feel safe and secure.
  • But somewhere along the way, the world decided it no longer needed men.  Gloria Steinem said, "Women need men like fish need a bicycle."  Excuse me while I gag.  I'm a firm believer that femininity needs masculinity in order to thrive. Yin and Yang.  Period.  I'm not saying you're nothing if you're not married, just that, if you're a woman, stop short of saying you need no men in your life.
  • Disco by disco, latte by foamy non-fat latte, men were stripped of their khakis and left stranded on the road between boyhood and androgyny.  I'm not a coffee drinker so I can't speak to the emasculating power of foam and I've never been to a "disco" but I do know that real men aren't afraid to dance.  They spin and dip their wives in the kitchen. They slip an arm around their girlfriends and sway a little in line at the theater. 
  • But today, there are questions our genderless society has no answers for.  When a girl wants to learn to be a woman, some of the best lessons will come from good men in her life.  How they'll help teach her to be respected and treated well.
  • The world sits idly by as cities crumble, children misbehave and those little old ladies remain on one side of the street. Even the sweetest children mount a full-frontal attack on a daily basis, as they test the boundaries and learn what they should and shouldn't do.  I think too many men have checked out of real parenting and even the strongest of moms will crumble over time, facing that onslaught day after day.  Everything is easier when you face it as a team.
  • For the first time since bad guys, we need heroes.  I have many male heroes in my life - my husband, father, brothers, uncles, grandfathers, and brothers-in-law - all of whom have risen to be heroes, both large and small, at a time when I needed them.
  • We need grown-ups.  I know a few guys who would rather play online games than help put the kids to bed.  NOT grown-ups.
  • We need men to put down the plastic fork, step away from the salad bar and untie the world from the tracks of complacency. I love the image this line calls forth of the world as a damsel in distress, tied to the train tracks by a dastardly villain twirling a handlebar mustache. Too many of the good aspects in life are being held hostage today by villains. And while I don't know what's wrong with plastic forks, I do chuckle at how often I push the husband to eat salad.  For his health, of course!
  • It's time to get your hands dirty.  As an 80's child I am a lover of John Cusack movies.  Remember Say Anything?  I love the line from his best friend Corey, "Don't be a guy. The world is full of guys.  Be a man." And since I don't like to get dirty, yes, I prefer the man do it.
  • It's time to answer the call of manhood. I called Mr. Darcy (aka husband) and asked him how he would respond to this line in one brief sentence.  He was apparently feeling cheeky today, because he quickly answered, "It means turning the tide of the namby-pamby metro sexual trend and embracing our masculine nature.  Certain things are hard-wired in us and there's nothing wrong with that!" Well said, honey!
  • It's time to wear the pants.  Be they suit pants, overalls, chaps or even the Scottish version of pants (a kilt!)... WEAR THEM!  And wear them well. 

I hope this masculine wave that's resurging isn't a passing fancy.  Some critics blasted this ad as sexist - which is, I think, exactly the problem the ad addresses.  Nowhere in here did I feel slandered as a woman and there's nothing wrong with being a man.

Whether we know it (or admit it) or not, femininity is a huge part of a woman's style.  It is enhanced when it has the contrast of masculinity to play off.  Much like my clothing style, I really like the old-fashioned mixed with the new-fangled.  A man doesn't need to sit in his chair in the living room waiting for wifey-poo to bring him his dinner (we've all had a long day!) but it's great if he makes sure to always take out the trash, open her door, and fill her car with gas.  Or remember to walk into a dark theater first. Take her hand to help her exit  when wearing heels so she doesn't have to grab the dirty car. 
The little things make the man.  And we women benefit.
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Q: "Most of my week I'm an exhausted mom but my husband and I renewed our commitment to regular date nights a little while ago.  The problem is, I'm wearing essentially the same things I wear the rest of the week! All my clothes are mom-friendly, modest, and (I hate to admit it) pretty frumpy.  I'm not sure how I got to this point but what should I do about it now? I have limited funds to put toward a solution and want to spend it wisely.
Sincerely - K.,  
A:  I think we've all been there, K! One day you're cute, glowing and pregnant, the next you haven't worn much besides yoga pants and a t-shirt for weeks on end. Here are my best tips for reclaiming the sexy factor of your wardrobe.  I'm going to assume you have a pair of well-fitting jeans.  If not, those are an A #1 priority.  And make sure they're not these Mom Jeans!
I've listed the other items in order of "investment importance" - meaning if you don't already have it, this is where I'd spend your money first.  And the key style tip?  Do the opposite!  I'll explain in a moment...
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Nordstrom

1.  A Fancy Heel
I suggest a metallic heel in gold or silver, depending on your preference and skin tone. 
A metallic is a neutral so it pairs with anything! Jeans and a black top, a spring dress, fun skirt and cardigan - a metallic heel elevates them all to sexy date-wear.
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White House/Black Market - $34

2.  Chandelier/Statement Earrings
I like crystal and metallic because, again, it goes with anything and everything.  A metallic heel, jeans, black tee, and earrings like these?  Do you see the sexy sneaking back?

FYI - White House/Black Market is having a jewelry sale right now.  Click through from our Shopping Section.  WH/BM has great neutral options.
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Liberty of London for Target
3.  A little shot of boudoir.
Raid your lingerie collection for items with just a hint of sheerness or (if not sheer) a high enough neckline that you don't have to wear a coverage tee underneath it.  Try adjusting the straps to raise the neckline.  Doesn't matter if it's normally a thigh-grazing chemise - slip that baby on over jeans and under a fitted jacket and it's a very sexy tunic top!  Let something sparkly or satiny peek out from under a cardigan or blazer (buttoned for coverage if you need).  Your hubby will know what it is... and will love it.
I recently scored this little wrap number from the Liberty of London for Target intimates collection. It looks great with jeans or my dark gray skirt and heels.

Remember that "opposite" tip I gave you?  Here's what I meant.  One of the easiest styling tips to scoring a sexy look is to do the opposite of what you do during the day or week.  As outlined below...
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4.  Update your Mom Do
If your husband normally sees you with your hair down, wear it up for date night.  Normally up in a pony?  Wear it sleek and flowing with a deep side part.  Normally straight? Stun him with a head full romantic curls.

And consider whether it's time to update your style completely.  A razor-sharp bob can be easy with kids, and styles up very sexy.  Layers can lift a longer style out of sagging and dragging.
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5.  Learn Sexy Makeup
Another opposite?  Your makeup!  If you normally don't wear any makeup, your biggest bang for the buck will be to learn how to do a smoky eye.  It's sexy and does NOT have be done with black makeup, which can look harsh the older you get. I love a smoky eye in purples or browns.  A simple Google or YouTube search will produce hundreds of options for tutorials.  If you're near a Sephora or Nordstrom makeup department - pop in and have a makeup artist show you for free.
If you often wear heavier eye makeup, then go with a neutral eye (maybe just a little liner and mascara) paired with a bold lip.  It's the shake-up of your routine that brings the sexy here.
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6.  Dye a New Outfit
Here's a final tip - dye some of your items to score a "new" date outfit. If you have plenty of "mom-friendly" tops but are in desperate need of some date wear, don't be afraid of dying!  How about updating that stained white tee to a gorgeous deep turquoise?  New clothes - for about $2.  Gotta love that!
I hope this helps rev up your date nights!  It doesn't take a lot to turn simple into sexy.  And above all - it's HOW you wear what you wear that counts the most.  Make sure you put on that smile, which I'm sure is easy when you think of going out with your honey.
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I'm not MIA, though it wouldn't be a shock, I've just been working on a lot of coming attractions that I hope you'll enjoy!
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A great Ask Image Interpreters about bringing the sexy to a modest wardrobe.
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A series on what to apply and what to avoid of the spring fashion trends!
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And before the feminine flood of spring style takes over the blog - a series about men that I am hoping will spark some good thought and conversation.  Real Men are making a comeback, ladies!

(This particular dose of eye-candy is Clint Eastwood in his younger days!)
Also working on a guest post and will be having a couple of guest posters in this neighborhood as well.  Stay tuned for the fun!!
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The fabulous Imogen Lamport bestowed the Sugar Doll Blogger Award on me! I've learned so much from Imogen. She's an image consultant in Australia and writes a wonderful blog, Inside Out Style, that appeals to the analytical side of my brain as well as the style lover in me.  It discusses the science behind why certain fashions, styles, colors, etc. flatter us and work for us while others don't.  Go give it a look see.  It's worth following!  

As a recipient, I must acknowledge the giver (done above), divulge 10 aspects of my life and/or personality, then pass the award onto 15 blogs I love.  It's never an easy task for me to compile a list of personal insights so here goes nothin'.
  1. I'm stealing this first one from Imogen because when I read it I said, "Me too!" I love shopping for others and helping them build great wardrobes, but when it's something for me, I prefer to shop alone.
  2. I believe in better living through chemistry.  The angels sang when Afrin was invented.  (I suffered greatly from allergies as a child and wish this had been in my life then.)  I’d like to condemn the druggies to an eternity of endless torment for making it impossible for me to get pseudafed and children’s medications and anything that ACTUALLY HELPS over the counter any more.  No, medicated rub’s don’t do a darn thing to help a congested miserable baby.
  3. I’ve struggled with my weight since I was a teenager.  And I hate it.
  4. My husband and I still romance each other.  And I love it.
  5. Sometimes, when it’s been a really rough “mommy week”, I give myself quiet time in my closet.  I pull out all my favorite heels, arrange them in front of me on the closet floor and put them all on, happily showcasing them for a minute and imagining them with different outfits.  Just to give them some foot time and remind myself what it’s like to wear fancy clothes instead of baby gunk covered clothes.
  6. I have a large brown spot it one eye.  Husband and others think it’s cool and unique.  I would love it if my ophthalmologist father could invent a way to make it disappear.
  7. I am the oldest of 5 children and the first grandchild on my father’s side.  When I’m feeling particularly funny and sassy, I remind my siblings and cousins that they’re just reruns.  And the sequel is never as good as the original.
  8. I named this site Image Interpreters because style goes so far beyond what you actually are wearing.  Yes, my main target is those women who dress modestly, and helping them interpret the various design images the fashion world presents. (Get it?) But I think all women should dress modestly and carry themselves stylishly, so the blog and site tackle the never-ending range of relevant topics.
  9. One of my favorite institute professors in college had 9 kids, all with names beginning with J.  When their last one showed up, they named her Jesslyn.  Even called my parents to ask (since I was serving a mission in Germany at the time). The other 8 kids are fairly reserved and quiet, like their parents.  Lil' Jesslyn is just like me.  First met her when she was about 5, when I happened to work in their doctor's office.  She had worn a super fancy twirly skirt and was happily dancing in the waiting room.  That's my girl!
  10. I've decided silk pillowcases are a necessity, not a luxury, and must procure some soon.  I sleep mostly on my left side... and my face is beginning to broadcast that it's my preferred sleeping side and I'm hoping silk pillowcases will help.

As for passing on the award, I know that for some of the blogs I follow, this little award from me would be a mere drop in their buckets of awards.  For others, like Karen at Of A Certain Age, she was also awarded by Imogen.  So I'm passing it on to a few you may not know and should.
For inspiring me sartorialy -
For inspiring me to be more creative -

For consistently making me smile, great giveaways, and general fun -
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Though she has the body to pull off the most revealing of gowns and cocktail dresses, Claire Danes often chooses more demure options. It's sexier to not reveal everything.
Like this Burberry number.  With some heels I would love to have! 
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wearing Burberry
Or an extremely elegant, flutter sleeve Stella McCartney gown.
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But this wrap dress is by far my favorite!  The stunning blue!  The subtle ruffles! The elbow-length sleeves!  Love it all. 
I couldn't find the dress info but thanks to the designer for a bit of loveliness I'm now craving in my own closet. 
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