jessica mcdougall

I'm always experimenting with new ways of doing my hair. After a recent coloring at Cinta in San Francisco, the girl who blew dry my hair did an excellent job. She was able to create a ton of volume in my hair by simply wrapping the hair into imaginary rollers and pinning the hair in place to cool. (I've seen this in magazines before, but never knew that it really worked.) So, I tried it on my own today and it great me a nice amount of extra body.

And in other hair news, I received this question from Melinda:

Love your blog. I have a question about how you do your hair. Specifically, your hair in your Fashion Choice 2/6 photo. It looks fab, and I have hair similar to yours. Do tell…how do you style it?

That particular hair style was created with a curling iron cone. I dried my hair straight and then used the cone to curl small sections, some to the front and some to the back.

Do you have a favorite new hair technique?

Received a comment from Karen that read...

We are heading to Vegas for some fun and I look forward to being the exception to the rule in Vegas by looking stylish. Have you been to the show Zumanity? It is a "spicy" show and I am finalizing what to wear...would love your ideas.

I have not been to Zumanity. But from what I've read online, you can go a little edgier than normal. Jeffrey (who has been) told me it's an event that celebrates sexuality and if you're going with a date you should wear something provocative. If you're going on your own, you should wear something more provocative to find a date! (HA! Men always have the best outlook on life!)

My instinct (after a quick glimpse at the Zumanity site) is to wear something red or go for a solid color with a red lip. Here are some price-based suggestions...

It's always a delight to discover new designers that you haven't previously been exposed to. Especially when you're attracted to their entire collection. I recently came across Adam Lippes. His ombre dress (pictured above) has been featured in several recent magazines - but until today, I couldn't find him because they only listed the name Adam as the notation.

His Spring 2008 designs are fresh, fun, and wearable. I like that these looks could be dressed up or dressed down. Which of the looks fit YOUR style?

The winner of the swag is Abigail - the first person who left a comment for this giveaway!

Five additional winners will receive an autographed copy of Jeffrey Gitomer's Little Gold Book of YES! Attitude. (A book I edited!) When you discover that a positive attitude is THE best beauty item, all the others are icing on the cake. The winners will also receive a matching tube of Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (one of the top favorites from all the comments).

If you're one of the winners listed above, please email me (jessica@gitomer.com) your mailing address. Thank you to everyone for sharing what makes you look and feel delightful!

A fashion and beauty giveaway in honor of tonight's Academy Awards.

This is a bag of swag - the Jessica McDougall version. One lucky winner will win this bag full of several of my favorite must-have beauty items that I've loved for years.

The overnight bag will include Cetaphil (for all skin types), the most trusted face wash I've come across • Q-tips travel packs, for so many purposes • Oil of Olay Daily Facials, a great way to refresh • Origins Spot Remover, my favorite 'blemish buster' • a box of Altoids, everyone needs them in their purse • Aveda's Phomollient, my favorite pre-blowdry hair treatment • Evian mineral water spray, a travel essential • Wet Ones, help keep your hands clean (I like the sensitive skin ones best) • L'Oreal Sublime Bronze, a great way to get an instant tan • Kanebo Sensai Total Lip Treatment, excellent • Gillette Venus Embrace, they come out with a new razor every week! This one is the best • Goody Bobby Pins, the other brands rip my hair • Shu Uemera's Eyelash Curler, hands down the best • Chanel's Black Satin nail polish, this will be a classic forever • Band-Aids, in a delightful Hello Kitty print • and Aveda's Rosemary Mint, my favorite body wash.

To enter, leave a comment with your must-have, can't-live-without beauty product(s).
Entries will be accepted until Tuesday, February 26th at 5PM Eastern Time.

UPDATE: My most favorite part of the Oscars so far was the DVF Amex commercial!

Received a fashion/travel request from Alison that read:

My husband and I are going to Europe for the first time this spring! Because we'll be traveling between London, Paris, Nice, Venice, and Rome mostly by train, I need to keep my packing limited to one suitcase, which I know will be difficult. Here are some other details of the trip:

1.) Temperatures between London (our starting point) and Rome (our ending point) might be quite different. I need to pack for both cooler and warmer temps. I'm definitely planning on bringing my pashmina collection with me.

2.) Since this is our first time to Europe, we'll be doing a lot of walking/sightseeing. Because of some issues with my feet, I'll need to wear well-supported shoes throughout the trip. It doesn't need to be sneakers necessarily but it can't be flats or heels during the days we will be walking a lot. At the same time, I want to be stylish and "non-touristy" (especially in Paris!).

3.) How in the world will I pack for 14 days in one bag?!?

Any advice you have for me would be much appreciated - particularly on the packing issue since I definitely tend to overpack. I know you travel quite a bit and I'm sure you've picked up some great tips along the way.

Here's my response...

This is an excellent challenge for me because I don't consider myself a "light" packer. However, I know how to do it if I need to and in the situation above with train travel, I know how important it is to be able to maneuver your stuff, keep it safe, and keep it contained in one suitcase. For this particular situation, I would plan to be able to put EVERYTHING into my suitcase, including a purse and small pillow for comfort on the train. With everything contained in one piece, it's easier to maneuver and get on and off the train. It's also a great idea to bring a medium-size foldable duffel bag inside your other bag in case you make some purchases during the trip!

I'm anal in that I don't like to wear something more than once without washing because it feels dirty (which is often true getting on the airplane every other day or so) - but in this situation, you'll either have to plan to wear things again, or find a laundromat - which could prove to be a great way to meet locals!

Okay, to address Alison's questions...

1. Because of the variance of temperatures throughout the counties, your best method is to pack thin layers that you can remove or add to if needed. This means tights, leggings, long sleeve t-shirts, and merino or cashmere sweaters. If you're going to bring and wear pashminas, be sure to wear them in a flattering way. I'm not a fan because I feel that most women wear them lazily (just thrown around themselves) instead of wearing them in a way that compliments their figure. Here's a great page that will help you decide which way to wear them is best for you. In their place, I prefer lightweight scarfs.

2. For the walking and sightseeing portions — it’s okay to dress uber-comfortable and not worry about “looking like a tourist” because you ARE a tourist! Take time to focus on the sights and absorb everything around you (comfortably) — then bring back what you expose yourself to and incorporate it into your daily fashion at home! You’ll look like a tourist regardless of whether you dress the part! I read a quote once that said “Sometimes you have to venture outside your world to find yourself.” My biggest inner growth and understanding of who I am has come from international travel. It's a wonderful experience. (Another hint to make ANY shoe more comfortable are these.)

3. Now for the hard part. Below is a suggested list for what to bring for 14 days of travel. NOTE: Plan around special events you'll be going to. Bring those outfits in full so you'll be excited to wear those outfits. Make the rest of the pieces coordinating so they can be worn interchangeably. When I pack for travel, I always first pack the seminar outfits first. I make sure they are developed in full and that makes getting ready for the seminars fun. (For those of you planting your feet in one location abroad, bring the biggest bag you can. Most airlines allow up to 70 pounds for international travel. That’s room for a lot of fashion choices!)

What I have learned packing for and traveling over 250,000 miles a year is that if I plan by the outfit, I have less tendency to not wear certain things and that eliminates some of the excess packing. If you start with one main piece, a pair of jeans, and make three outfits, then take a pair of shoes from the outfits you just made and build an outfit around that, you’ll be on the way to a delightful trip!

Here are some sample outfits of what I would wear for a springtime trip to Europe:

A cute and casual mix of North American legends. Star Wars and Jack Purcell.

Capri jeans call for delightful shoes. A nice slim jacket tops off the airy white shirt.
 
With the wide-leg trousers, you want to keep the top slim. I would pair them with either a short sleeve cashmere tee with a lightweight scarf or a long sleeve v-neck slim fit sweater. (The trench below paired with these pants would make the look too sloppy.)

I love these black leggings. Look for this outfit in my future outfit of the day choices!

Hats are great during travel when you'd rather sightsee than spend time doing your hair.

To make an outfit with tennis shoes cute, start with narrow shoes (not the bulky, heavy ones) and wear with wide-leg trousers that show just the toe of the shoe and cute-but-casual tops.

And here's a basic packing list of what (and the kind of) things I would bring...
My favorite underwear • comfortable walking socks • knee high socks • tights - colorful ones! • a couple great bras • two bathing suits • lightweight denim - in a length that looks great with both flats and small heels • fancy demin - that you can dress up or dress down • lighweight trousers • leggings • extra soft sweaters • cute coats • tank tops -- the closest layer to your skin • fun date outfits • a groom bag to hold all toiletries AND makeup. I love the ones that hang. Get one that's big enough to hold everything for the trip (this can help eliminate a lot of space that would otherwise be taken by bringing too much shampoo, lotion, etc). It's worth it to transfer your stuff to carry-on bottle sizes • a travel size hairdryer with 220 volt capability • fun hats and a silk scarf in case the hairdryer doesn't cooperate • a couple fun graphic tees • trouser shorts • flat boots • flip flops • comfortable heels • walking shoes • plug adapter • a good travel book •

What words of wisdom do YOU have for Alison? What's your "must bring" travel item?

In a bad mood? Not feeling well? Fashion can be your friend.

Take a shower and try on something delightful.
Or put on fun shoes.
Or a great dress.
Or a new lipstick.

It's an instant mood lifter!

Do you take color risks in your fashion choices? From everything I had previously read, yellow was not a color for me. But last year, I decided to take a risk and buy a hot yellow shirt. I've loved the color since. My suggestion is to incorporate a new color in a small way. Maybe a pair of shoes that will just peek from the hem of your pants. Or a bright tank top under a sweater or jacket where the color is the feature of an otherwise monochromatic outfit.

After many days on the road, it's great to be home. Leaving tomorrow morning for more travel.

With only about 24 hours at home, you've got to set your priorities of what to do with the time! The weather was beautiful in Charlotte today. I stopped to get a pedicure with my new GREY polish from RescueBeautyLounge. They've got some amazing polish colors. Delightful. And a good transitional color for the path into spring.

I've got a mountain of clothes to go to the dry cleaner. But I'm so happy to restock my suitcase with newly inspired outfits.

And here's a fun addition for a bathroom that I picked up at the framers. I found these vintage flash cards at Watson Kennedy in Seattle.

The his/her will go on the front of the door entering the bathroom and the went goes on the back of the door for exiting the bathroom.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Received a question from Camille in regards to my today's fashion choice posts and since I have previously received similar notes, I wanted everyone to be able to benefit from reading my response.

I’m new to your blog and am loving it! I'm learning so much and it's all so very interesting and intriguing. I'm also new to the "fashion world" and as said before, am learning along the way. I was wondering, in your photos of yourself (which are gorgeous by the way!) do you mostly not smile because you worry about wrinkles? Sometimes you don't look very happy, or is that just the way people in the fashion world are supposed to pose?  This really interests me. Photos speak *so* much, maybe you just want people to notice the attire and fashion rather than you (or the person wearing the outfit)? Feel free to enlighten me, I feel kinda stupid asking.  But I know that you're so genuine and helpful to your blogger audience. 

What a great question! I don’t typically smile when showing my fashion choice of the day for several reasons:
1. I’m there to show an image — not a fake image. I don’t like fake smiles. I like genuine smiles and I don’t feel that it would be genuine to say “cheese” when taking pictures of myself for the purpose of my own fashion record!
2. It's a display of style versus projection of emotion.
3. I'm want to see what I look like — not what I feel like.
4. I'm always smiling on the inside — it’s just not always displayed on the outside.

And yes, you are correct that very few fashion photographs involve smiles. Take a look in any fashion magazine and you'll see.

It wouldn't be Valentine's Day without chocolate! How funny that I just came across these new chocolate-flavored Skittles here in the hotel gift shop in Houston. You can read a review of them here on candyaddict.com or here or here. I'll be sampling the mix tonight after dinner.

And here's the best gift to exchange on Valentine's day:
A high-tech mix tape! You haven't felt true love until you've created a mix tape for someone.

The first boy that I had the biggest crush on made me a mix tape. Oh, how I wish I could find that tape now. Music is memories. Happy Valentine's Day!

Enjoyed the last couple days in Las Vegas where there is ALWAYS new things to see and do. It's an incredible place that's in constant growth. I'm always amazed (overwhelmed) by the mass of what's there. If you've never been (or have been and love it!) and want to understand the size of things that are there, check this out!

Stayed at Wynn Las Vegas which is hands down the premier place to stay in the city. They have the best rooms, the most comfortable beds, a great location, excellent restaurants, reasonable rates (for Vegas), perfect lighthing in the rooms for getting ready, large bathrooms, Warhol and butterfly decor, and, of course, there's a Chanel store in the hotel to browse for little delights and inspiration! The one negative? No wireless internet in the rooms or in the meeting rooms which means a difficult time keeping up with emails and updating the blog!

We had dinner both nights at SW Steakhouse in the Wynn, where they have the most amazing french fries. I had the toro the first night (which I would not order again) and a filet the second night (which I would order again). If you get a chance to have a meal there, ask to be in Robert's section. He's excellent.

Walked over to the new Barneys Las Vegas (I mean Barneys New York) in The Palazzo. I was disappointed that It didn't have the same fashionable feel as the other Barneys locations I've been too. Went out on a limb and picked up these jeans at Barneys - and just now discovered that they're named the "palazzo pant." How fitting!

I was happy to see there's a DVF store as well as Chloe and Burberry Prorsum coming soon. I've decided that Las Vegas is a great place to buy and be exposed to fashion in the stores, but it's not the greatest of places to be inspired by other's fashion (unless it's what not to wear!).

Received a request from Sarah...

"Wondering if you have a recommendation for a pair of nude colored, peep-toe pumps. Ever since seeing a picture of Jessica Simpson wearing a pair, I’ve been searching, but not having much luck. I love tall, tall shoes and I really can’t afford any over $150 right now."

The best place I have found online to do a search by shoe type and color is Zappos. They don't always have my most favorite shoes, but it gives you a great idea of what's out there at a variety of price points. I'm quite specific in selecting shoes. They have to have the perfect heel. Here's a couple that I would select - can you guess by looking which ones would fall within Sarah's budget? I'll post all the links and prices tomorrow!

UPDATE on February 14th: Links and prices now posted. Interesting to note, when you find a pair of shoes that you like online, it's best to buy right away. Several of these shoes became unavailable within one day. Happy Shopping!

Discovered the world's best cream puffs yesterday at Beard Papa's in San Francisco.

Such a cute logo they have and the elcair was simply delightful. They hand pump the cold custard into the ready made puff. Scrumptious. 

First opened in Japan, their North America locations are currently in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Canada. If you can, get to a location near you as soon as possible.

Need a cream puff visual, or want to read more about their incredible process, go here.

Amazing view of the fog this morning in San Francisco. A beautiful last day to be here.

Happy Birthday, sweet Jeffrey. You've battled your way to the TOP of your game and I'm proud to be your partner in passionate living.

One of the biggest benefits to having a best friend that's twice your age is the unending experience and vast knowledge the person has and can share with you. Jeffrey has never answered a question I've asked him with "I don't know." He always has a sincere, opinionated, intelligent answer for every question. He is hilarious, well traveled, and brilliant in his knowledge of such a vast variety of topics - everything from pop art to vintage sports memorabilia to fashion to current events to having kids to music to business.

In his leadership and love that he has so openly shared with me, I have grown and I am forever grateful. You were an inspiration the moment I met you, Jeffrey. Cheers to you on your day.

San Francisco locals said today was their best weather this year. I've been to San Francisco several times, but other than shopping and having crab at Fisherman's Wharf, the weather has never been warm enough to really enjoy the sights. Today was a delightful exception.

I was able to snap a shot of these lovely vintage suitcases (which I collect), part of a display at Anthropologie (whose "policy" forbids photography in their stores!).

Delicious fresh dungeness crab at the wharf with fresh sourdough bread.

One of the most fun parts of the day was seeing this gentleman (that Jeffrey is taking a picture of) who has a great set up to scare people as they walk by his "bush." There was a large crowd gathered round to watch as people unknowingly walked by or stood near the "live" bush and were frigthened by its sudden movement.

Hilarious. And the cheers of laughter from everyone watching were priceless.

Woke up this morning to this great city view from the Marriot San Francisco. The sky is blue and clear and Alcatraz Island can be seen in the distance.

I've been browsing the New York Fashion Week (Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear) collections as they've made their way to the Internet. You can see images of every outfit from the runway here.

It takes a lot of time to look through everything, but it's a great way to discover your likes and dislikes and begin to mentally piece together ideas for future ensembles - color choices, new cuts or pieces you've yet to experiment with, and hair and makeup inspirations.

Here are a couple of my notes from what I've seen of the collections of several of my favorite designers including VPL, Alice + Olivia, Tibi, Rock & Republic:

As a reminder that people involved in high-fashion are human, I leave you with this:

You can read the story on NY Mag's The Cut, an excellent source for Fashion Week updates.

 
Snow (lots of it!) and dinner at Flow on Yorkville Avenue with the Microsoft crew - many of who were from Seattle. Fun to chat about the hometown and hear the word "dude" several times! The food was excellent. I had the tomato shrimp lime basil soup and Phuket lime chicken. Jeffrey and I had a quick taxi tour around the city where there was over six inches of snow. A beautiful site and nice end to the visit before landing in Cancun (can you say temperature extremes?) tomorrow.

In Toronto, Canada, today for Jeffrey's public seminar hosted by Microsoft. My last visit here was when I got the chance to go to L'Oreal Fashion Week. And I'm happy to be back.

Fashion is one of this city's largest employers. Toronto's fashion district spans a 35-block area in the downtown King-Spadina neighborhood. Local designers include Joeffer Caoc, David Dixon, Arthur Mendonca, Franco Mirabelli, Pink Tartan (which is deligtful!), and Sunny Choi.

Interesting to note the difference in how the Pink Tartan garments look on the Saks website versus the Pink Tartan site. Excellent styling/hair/makeup on the part of Pink Tartan.

Received an email from Paula requesting suggestions for boots to take on an upcoming visit to Chantilly, Virginia. Here are the details:

Have you seen any cold weather boots that would be stylish yet practice for seeing the sights around DC? I have some tall boots but all with a three-inch heel or too nice to brave the salted streets. Need to have them by Feb 14th.

Here are my suggestions:
I recently came across (and love) this Stella McCartney boot. It could be ultra chic with the right outfit. It’s different, yet practical and functional. The clean lines of this wedge boot are appealing and the boot appears comfortable and feminine. They’re waterproof suede. This fun Fly London pair (one of my favorite boot brands) would be another great choice. They’re unique, but difficult to find in the United States. I came across the brand during my last trip to London. I have several pair and have never seen
anyone (anywhere) in them.
                                
Here's the boot I'm loving to travel in right now. Patent means they never get dirty, or, if they do, I can wipe them clean with a damp cloth. There's a small wedge heel. And they're incredbily easy to slip on and off through the security lines. They're an investment pair, bui I plan to wearn mine for many, many years. This is a cute Tory Burch boot - love the classic quilted look with a bit of wedge for added height. And here are a couple coloroful alternatives from Fly London. Love the red ones!

I'm in Portland, Oregon, to visit family and, most important, to celebrate the life of my Grandmother, Catherine Ann Thompson, as she ascends upon the last stages of her life. What a delightful woman she is. At 80, she continues to have a sparkle in her eyes of the incredible life she has lived and enjoyed. My mom's mom, she is the true foundation for the incredible wealth of kindness that lives within my mom.

Grandma has a designer's eye for both style and fashion, and her preference was always to be dressed up. She could shop with the best of them. And she knows how to stick up for herself. Many of the characteristics Gramdma exuded in her life are ones that I now see in myself. And I am grateful. It's pretty tough to thank another human for the positive impact they've had on your life in a way that truly expresses the heartfelt meaning you hope to convey.

I brought Grandma the most delightful bouquet of flowers I could put together. She loves flowers and was always an ace gardener. The flowers were my way of saying (without words)...

Thank you, Grandma. Thank you for being you. Thank you for the beauty and bigheartedness you have brought into all of our lives. You are loved by many and the traditions you've introduced to us will be passed down for generations to come.

Happy to have a second to capture this reflective moment at the airport today. It's been a crazy week of travel. Constantly being whisked from hotel to airport, airport to car, car to hotel, hotel back to airport by car, and on and on. My favorite part about getting on an airplane is having a great magazine to read. And my favorite part about flying out of the New York ariports is that they sell European magazines - which happen to contain an incredible amount of inspiration.

Today I picked up British Bazaar, Tatler, and 10 magazine. All excellent. All filled with incredible ideas and delightful fashion, including these gems:
         

So many ideas and images that I have stored mentally are also physically saved in my archive of fashion, beauty, and home idea bins in Charlotte. When I'm traveling and collecting magazines, I fold down opposing pages of the pages I want to tear out (so that I don't ruin the image with a fold). Then when I get home, I tear out the pages I want, trim the edges to make them perfect, and store them in top loaders (protective plastic) for catergorizing and the ability to easily find the idea again when I need it. Knowing they're all there for the moment I may need them provides me incredible creative piece of mind.

I was previously building ideas for my fashion shoot. I am now building hair, makeup, and fashion ideas for an upcoming girls weekend to Las Vegas in May. (I like to plan ahead!)

Also saw pictures of these, the most adorable USB memory sticks I have seen. I'm not one for too much flair or bedazzleness, but these are delicate and functional at the same time:

And if you love modern home ideas, I suggest you head to your nearest bookstore (that sells magazines) and get a copy of Livingetc magazine. (They also have a great website.) I tore out a TON of pages from February's issue, including one with information about this resort in Greece.