How to look 'expensive' 2

[IkeaGoddess]

(old thread got to 1000 posts)

Also interested in glossy hair tips. My hair is very fine, and only looks nice when I blow dry it, but I can't do that all the time because the heat was wrecking it. So I started French plaiting it wet after washing it, which looks really nice after a couple of hours drying. But the next day when I take it out, the ends look frizzy and scorched, even though I use frizz ease everything!! I end up sticking it in a messy bun but I'd love to have just curls or waves or something??

Garlic I like the word elegant too. A couple of the women I see around town regularly whose style I admire could be described as elegant. One is very cool looking, one is in her 60's and more classic but both are elegant in the way they carry themselves and speak. That's so badly explained sorry! It's such a hard concept to describe but I think we all recognise it when we see it.

Hair should be air dried until just off damp. You get the same result from a blow dry in about one fifth of the time. Less wrecking by a long stretch. I wash mine every three days. Bliw dry and two days with a curling brush. Blow dry takes six/sever minutes, curling brush four/five.

I have very shiny hair. I use Philip Kimgsley elasticizer about once a month normally and a few days before an event. Morrocan oil on the ends before blow drying and a tiny bit to finish if I'm wearing it straight. I finish a blow dry with a blast of cold air and the final rinse in the shower is also cold.

Use heaps of conditioner each time I wash it and rinse, rinse, rinse, like my life depends on it. I also use a microfibre hair wrap to get it 50-60% dry before putting a hair drier near it. I've found damage to the ends has really reduced since doing this. They're about £5 from supermarkets and Boots.

My hair's thick, naturally wavy but blow dries straight, bra strap length, prone to dry ends and frizzy bits if I use too much heat. So not sure if the elastizer and oil would be suitable for finer hair or not. I think having dark hair helps with glossiness too as it naturally reflects light anyway.

Stephen, sounds like you might be plaiting it right to the ends, and/or be in need of a trim.

I love the waves you get from wet-plaited hair! Just try not to stretch it: it's easily done as hair's more elastic when wet, but sadly won't ping back into shape afterwards.

I think the hair wrap, less heat styling and rinsing lots are the most effective things for glossy hair. If you use an oil, also use a clarifying shampoo at least once a week to prevent build up along with a more moisturising one in between.

I think it's more about confidence. To me the word 'elegant' is quite dated and a bit like being 'lady like'. I'd rather look a bit classic but with a trendy twist..I love a pint in the pub (in my great clothes) but in my head an elegant lady would perch cross legged sipping a small glass of something..maybe it's a class thing?

Looking rich, when I was into horses I met a few very rich, landed gentry types, the look seemed to be cardigans handed down from ancient relative, baggy tweed skirt, brogues or hunter wellies ( before they were fashionable, unfashionable) chain smoking ( optional) pearls and everything covered in dog/ horse hair, I don't think that is the look people on this thread are going for though?

I don't see any need to shame women whose capacities and priorities are different from one's own

The general tone on that Facebook thread was sneery about mothers who care about how they look, as if it makes you an inferior mother because you actually wear clean clothes and manage to find time to brush your hair, and my quote and comment was in response to that.

Love this thread!

I went out today & bought a fedora, brown high heeled boots which are really comfy, a new purse & handbag & a nee blouse. I'd like another coat. At the min I've a long dark padded, fur hood one & a black leather one. Not sure which style would be good next.

So far I think I've added style & elegance just by wearing those things. Well, DH complimented me... If that counts.

Really enjoyed the original thread, just need to catchup with this one now.

enjoying this thread
message for kiwimum
i would love to find a warm hat to wear that suits - often go on weekend walks with my family and my head is freezing! which shops are best and any best colour to go for?
thanks

Mudandmayhem- that made me laugh!! If you want to look v. rich that is the classic look.. chain smoking optional..

Mummington The two women I was describing as elegant are definitely not old fashioned or prim. Quite the opposite. The younger one (40's?) is an outspoken confident feminist who is very fashionable but understated at the same time. Bit like you describe. So it is very subjective I suppose.

They are both very confident and sure of who they are so I think you're right there definitely.

Thanks Garlic I'm right between trims, but you're right, I need to stop plaiting so far and it might help!

Letting my hair air dry loose isn't an option for me, it really lacks volume and dries plastered to my head

Best money I ever spent on my hair was having a blow dry lesson at Aveda

www.goodhousekeeping.co.uk/fashion-beauty/hair-advice/how-to-blow-dry-your-hair-at-home

It also introduced me to the best Aveda products for my hair, which do make a difference. I have fine hair that splits easily and their conditioner strengthens it.

Stopping colouring my hair improved the condition too.

Loving this thread. Thanks OP. Jaeger have been mentioned a few times as having some key basic elegant pieces. They have an event on at Brand Alley...there's a few good buys. I've just bought a cashmere / wool blend dress for £28!! Hope it fits...

Does anyone have any advice for looking elegant in warm climates? Where I live it's warm/hot and humid for 8 months of the year. I need to have legs and arms, shoulders and feet uncovered just to feel comfortable enough for everyday activities.

So waxing must be up to date, skin well-moisturised, and feet well cared for. Hair has to be up off of my neck at least half the year due to the heat.

I'm finding it hard to think of elegant looking clothes for this climate.

red we lived in a similar climate (Caribbean) up until last year. Work outfits were OK as in A/C but casual was harder but tbh I found exposing shoulders etc made me hotter so preferred linen tunics and wide legged floaty trousers instead of shorts. Tommy Bahama do nice fitted sundresses. Straw hat and big sunglass were a must as much for protection as for look.

used to get a pedicure about once a month as yes must keep toes/feet looking good

for evenings out well if inside then evening/cocktail dress was fine and always needed a wrap/shawl in case A/C was particularly cold. dining outside was harder but nicely tailored but lightweight fabric trousers, flashy sandals with a heel and a floaty or strappy top would work with a thin cardi just in case

it is much harder in that sort of climate as always a bit flushed/sweaty/limp haired/too much skin on show for me to look good, am much happier wrapped in a sweater now

red - humidity is a killer! Sweating and frizzy hair do not make for elegance, although the upside is better skin, I find, away from harsher UK winters and central heating.

The more polished women I know definitely adhere to your grooming rules - skin needs to be moisturised and pedicures are pretty much compulsory. Yes, too, to having your hair at a length which means you can put it up and it still looks good. These well-groomed types tend to wear really gorgeous flat leather sandals, dresses or a pair of shorts with a plain silk top over their beautifully toned legs... it's all very high maintenance as extended summers mean far greater exposure. Makeup should be light and as 'slide proof' as possible for the really hot days. A nice pair of sunglasses are also a prerequisite.

I am certainly not that polished, and can't get away with shorts, sadly, but recommend wearing natural fibres. I buy silk cheaply here and get a local tailor to copy my favourite dresses/tops. I also have a couple of lightweight blazer-style jackets to help me feel more 'pulled together' (and cope with over-vigorous air con). I would also recommend buying good quality nude-coloured underwear, as it's more likely to be inadvertently on show through lighter summer-weight fabrics. I also make an effort with jewellery, as it adds a bit of interest when wearing less clothes, I think, and try to make sure my handbag looks good with my outfit.

Red - I always found it best to shop locally. Light, sleeveless shift dresses and light, smart separates are always on offer - although, in most places, I had to head for the 'very extra large' section and, in some environments, shop at stores for transwomen!! If you're in SE Asia, getting stuff made for you as Brita suggests is a nice option. It can take a bit of trial & error to find a tailor who properly understands what you want.

I never acclimatised sufficiently to wear 'normal' makeup as local women did. My skin was always a bit slick. I found it best to use powder instead of foundation - once you've got a tan, colourless powder generally suffices. If you need camouflage, there are matte powder foundations.

Check out local hair conditioners! In South America they use a custard-like product made with placenta (really) that costs about 30p for a big bottle and is miraculous. You might also find you can leave oil in your hair - it weighs it down a bit and soaks into the hair with the heat, which helps condition.

Im placemarking too so I can read this later cos I'm a bit of a scruff

And I'm boggling at this post I've just seen on the FB thread :

"Too look expensive?! Rather be rich in the heart and think of people who have NOTHING to live on rather having to show off! Respect the needies and provide the love and richness from the heart"

Because, naturally, if you care about how you look, you're just "showing off" and you never spare a thought for anyone else

That's actually hilarious.

Garlic I have to say that placenta hair custard doesn't exactly sound appealing .