All Things Fashionating by tracy mausser

As the Special Anniversary/Fall Edition of Vogue arrived – breaking my postman’s back – I couldn’t help but squeal with delight over all the fanciful clothing, opulent shoes and sumptuous accessories located within the pages of that elephant folio. I was in heaven as I looked upon all the fashion in that tome and I dreamed about what I would wear in my fantasy fashion life. http://allthingsfashionating.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-real-fashion-life-vs-my-fantasy.html The good news is I was able to take those high fashion trends and transform them into outfits that could have a place in my actual fashion life. In my real world, I walk a fine line to ensure that I don’t overdo it on trends.   There are definitely events which call for that WOW outfit, but in my day-to-day, I like to be on-spot and look cutting edge without going overboard. The term oxblood instantly conjures up unwanted images in my brain of unlucky livestock or the playroom of pain but, in fashion r...

Great Adventure's Wild Safari Growing up Jersey, the theme park du jour of the shore was Six Flags Great Adventure.   Unlike the other 18 Six Flag parks nationwide, Great Adventure stood apart from the rest because it has the largest drive-thru safari outside of Africa. According to an article in The Star-Ledger newspaper, Six Flags Great Adventure announced on Aug. 20, 2012 that they would stop letting guests use their own cars for tours of the animal sanctuary, ending a tradition that began almost 40 years ago. The article reported that park spokeswoman Kristin Siebeneicher said, “We are discontinuing allowing cars to drive through Wild Safari at the end of the 2012 season.” She also said the park is closing for the season on Sept. 30, 2012, a month earlier than scheduled. According to a recent article in The Star-Ledger , Six Flags announced today that it would be revamping the Wild Safari to Safari Off Road Adventure.    Park visitor...

    My little guy turned eight last week but it was all a blur. My week had been hectic to say the least. Work was beyond busy all five days and it all culminated with a Friday evening birthday party with a few of Shane’s closest mates sleeping over. The party was a success and fun was had by all, but it was definitely a lot of organizing and hard work for my husband and myself. As a family, we took it easy on Sunday to recuperate from all the fun weekend activities so, by the time Monday rolled around, I was starting to feel back to my normal self yet a bit melancholy. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what was bothering me and then it dawned on me, my baby is no longer a baby. At eight-years-old, Shane has begun to sprout up and is now a little over 4 feet tall. We actually have meaningful conversations and, at times, he surprises me by his level of maturity and astuteness. Shane is one of the most easy-going (just like my husband)...

I began reading the book "Fifty Shades of Grey" yesterday.  I now understand all the hype.  By the time I put it down to go to bed around midnight, I was half-way through the book. There are a few things I have garnered through this New York Times Bestseller:  I do believe that "Fifty Shades" made the color Oxblood a hot new trend for Fall and there are a lot of uses for baby oil. But I have always known the latter. I have been using baby oil gel to take off my make-up since I -- myself -- was in college.  Although my use of the product is quite different than Anastasia Steele. I prefer Johnson's Baby Oil Gel because it provides extra moisturization to help nourish and protect your skin from dryness.  The gel also locks in 10 more times moisture when used on wet skin. I'm not sure if it is just a coincidence or my regular visits to the dermatologist but, although I do have wrinkles, I feel that the baby oil has helped keep them to a...

'Secret Garden-Versailles' I recently celebrated my 14 year wedding anniversary and, four years ago, we celebrated our 10 year anniversary in gay Paris. At the time, I was going through my "Marie-Antoinette" phase.  We took the train to Chateau de Versailles and spent the day walking the halls of that palatial edifice and I even made my poor hubby and four year old son walk miles to take in Marie's private residence, Petite Trianon. So you can imagine my ecstasy and excitement over Dior's Fall 2012 campaign "Secret Garden-Versailles." The video, created by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, filmed models Melissa Stasiuk, Xiao Wen Ju and Daria Strokous strutting their Dior-licious selves throughout the majestic halls and picture perfect grounds of the most famous chateau outside of Paris.  The video is set to the music of Depeche Mode and I can almost envision myself running through the hall of mirrors;...

This morning, as is my custom, I had some Yogi green tea.  As I have posted before, I adore this brand because each tea bag has a little affirmation printed on it.  Today it read: "Live for Each Other." I couldn't think of a more appropriate message for today -- August 15, 2012 -- because it is Jason and my 14 year wedding anniversary. With almost 5 years of dating under the belt, Jason and I are nearing two decades of living for each other.  It seems like just yesterday that we were in our early 20s and experiencing our young love.  Today, we are both in our 40s, and we are still enjoying our lives and growing our love with the help of our amazing son. Life has not always been a box of chocolates; however, we love our family, house, living at the beach, and overall philosophies of "living in the moment" and "fun is the best thing to have."  My life is greater than I could have ever imagined it would be, so thank ...

Howdy! The hubby and I are headed to Napa to celebrate my BFF Rachel's 40th Birthday. Rachel is having a Great Gatsby-themed dinner party tonight at the uber-chic Carneros Inn. I am biting my nails in anticipation to see what all my fashionable LA friends style themselves in tonight. Especially Rachy! However, I have been bestowed the greatest honor -- pause -- yes, another close gal pal -- who is one sick Renaissance chick --the one and only Lynngweeny, has allowed me to borrow an authentic vintage dress from the 20s. Lynn, a former window designer for all the major department stores -- think Barneys, Saks, Bullocks -- now an interior designer who puts Paige Hemmis from Extreme Make-over Home Edition to shame. Lynn, who knows a little bit about everything fashion, technology and home improvement...among many,many other things...hooked me up. I love that Lynn and her BFF Lolly, another chick who has more creativity in her pinky finger than my whole everything, have take...

A few weeks ago, my girlfriend Stefanie sent out an email letting some of her nearest and dearest know that her closet was open for business; Not the one in her home, but her very own virtual store. A while back, Stefanie opened an eBay store http://stores.ebay.com/Stefanies-Closet and began selling resale clothing for children.   In addition, she sometimes has women’s and men’s clothing.   “What initially began as an experiment has turned into a full-fledged, part-full time business venture,” said Stefanie who is an eBay Top Rated Power Seller, “Turns out that there is quite a market for these items.” Stefanie sells all sizes of children’s clothing for all seasons from 12 months and up.   She is not particular and sells all brands for kids, but all items are clean and free from stains, rips or tears.   Her gently-used or new items include, but not limited to, the following:   shorts, shirts, skirts, dresses, pants, jeans, shoes, leggin...

Sorry to say that I let the proverbial ball drop! The Barneys Warehouse sale, which started last week, is now happening online.  I forgot to get a post out about it sooner, but hopefully all of you fashionistas are already on Barneys' short list. If you haven't heard the news, check it out for yourself: http://www.barneyswarehouse.com/ I do think it is a bit anti-climatic: There was definitely something exciting about stalking that woman who was holding the last pair of a favored Prada shoe in your size; trying on clothes in the make-shift changing room; and the overall thrill of the chase...in this case purchase. But now there is a level-playing field for all. Happy shopping!

I recently finished reading Paulo Coelho's book, "The Witch of Portobello."  Coelho is one of the most beloved writers of our time.  Like his book "The Alchemist," "The Witch of Portobello" was a powerful tome about love, passion, joy and sacrifice. Here are a few of my favorite passages: "Try to feel good about yourself even when you feel like the least worthy of creatures.  Reject all those negative thoughts and let the Mother take possession of your body and soul; surrender yourself to the dance or to silence or to ordinary, everyday activities -- like taking your son to school, preparing supper, making sure the house is tidy.  Everything is worship if your mind is focused on the present moment." "Reprogram yourself every minute of eac h day with thoughts that make you grow.  When you're feeling irritated or confused try to laugh at yourself.  Laugh out loud at this woman tormented by doubts and anxieties, convinc...

Corypha Mesh Loungers I love my little town. Last night, we gathered with some friends on the beach to watch Grammy award-winning Pancho Sanchez.  The soothing Latin Jazz and a beautiful sunset were an amazing way to end the week. But it wasn't only the tunes that were getting all the accolades, my "groovy" pants were a hit too. Recently, I received a gift certificate to the store Anthropologie as a birthday gift from my sister-in-law Diana.  I found the perfect outfit but, while there, I also fell in love with a pair of Corypha Mesh Loungers.  Unfortunately, I ran out of time and left the store without my new found love and I was a woman obsessed. I could not get these fun and comfy pants out of my head so I made my way back to Anthropologie at my soonest and found only one pair left in my size.  I busted out my new favorite loungers out for the concert last night and wore then exactly like the model in the photo.  Thank you for a...

I am a glass half empty kind of gal. With the beginning of August upon us, I can’t help but feel that the summer is almost over.   But I’m not really sad about it; it just means that it is time to get excited about up-and-coming fall/winter fashions like chunky sweaters, tall and sturdy boots, and all that yummy folkloric fur – real or faux – that is so en vogue. But how do we get from here to there – especially while living in Southern California – as it takes time for those temps to begin to drop. Well, I’ve got some tips for you: The first – and quite obvious I might add – is layering your current summer dresses, skirts and jumpsuits with sweaters and jackets in mixed-media.   With warmer temps still rocking the days, a fun jacket or chunky sweater, with bright tights to add a pop of color, and some fun boots can take your summer frocks far. Rebecca Taylor FW12 Growing up on the East Coast, there was a strict rule of thumb:   No whit...

Tanning Mom from NJ: Not me! No joke – as I have posted before – growing up Jersey, my BFF Dina and I would tan out in front of her house. We would slather on baby oil and wrap tin foil around a piece of cardboard which we would hold up to our faces. I would be so burnt that I was ill. Lucky or unlucky me, the East Coast sun is only strong for a few months each year.   In those instances, I could be found working extremely hard trying to keep my fair skin berry brown by visiting the tanning salon á la Jersey Shore; however, I was not as nearly as bad as that "Tanning Mom from NJ." It is no surprise that I kept up the practice of tanning in a salon upon moving to Southern California where it is warm and sunny almost 360 days of the year.   At the time, my hubby played professional volleyball so I was at the beach almost every weekend.   Working full-time during the week didn’t afford me the opportunity to keep up with my tanning, so Cop-A-Tan was my Antich...

My little man I was up early to run this morning and, when I returned, I was walking past my son’s room and noticed the curtains were open a bit.   The murky morning light was just starting to stream through onto his face, so I closed the curtains and pulled his blankets up. The action briefly woke him and he smiled up at me and said, “Momma,” before rolling over and going back to sleep.   I could tell that he felt safe and happy just by seeing me.   It made me feel pious to know that just my mere presence in his subconscious mind could cause him to feel completely and utterly at peace It made me remember when I was a little kid and I would be all snug in my bed and feel so safe too. I can distinctly recall one memory from the 70s.   I was completely cozy in bed and just drifting off to sleep while my little transistor radio was playing “Loving You” by Minnie Riperton.   To this day, my recollection of the video and my dream seemed to fu...