Summer Onwards! Have you made the seasonal switch to full Summer Mode? Unlike winter's chill, where we're piling on every scrap of clothing we own, summer is the opposite -- minimalism is the way to go, with light, comfortable clothing. The focus should be on the items that aren't subject to fit or size -- mainly, our skin and its protection from that great burning orb in the sky. Skincare is the priority for summer -- keep sunscreen handy, a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, sunglasses to ward off glare, and a slouchy, casual bag to fit all the fun stuff you'll want to tote around, from beach party to picnic BBQ.

Tis the Season for Fall Trends in Bloom! Although the Birdy admits she's still in a summery mood. I'm pleased to see it's not a hairpin-turn for dramatically different autumn styles. There's quite a few things that with a few modifications, could go from summer to fall. These three in particular were ones I liked: bold but simple cat-eye eyeliner paired with a bright lip color, strappy metallic heels (closed toe for fall), and rocking the maxi dress with a fitted jacket. 

I saw these while flipping through the pleasantly plump fall issues of fashion magazines gracing, er, weighing down the magazine stands. While there's no drastic upturn in the economy, I'm glad to see the thickness of magazines has returned. Emaciated periodicals, begone! And these are the easy-breezy, style-simple ideas swimming in my head for the upcoming months of holiday get-togethers and a winter wedding for a friend. Because who wants to fuss when there's a party to be had? 

What about you -- what seasonal trends are you looking forward to wearing this fall and winter?

Jaunty Fine Print: illustrations by Denise Sakaki

Consider this post an open letter to the Makeup Company Who Shall Not Be Named, you know who I'm talking about. The one who makes the well-known pink-and-green packaged mascara of infamy, labeled as Great, but one that I would argue is Not-So-Great. This Birdy's not a hater -- I've tried on several occasions to give this product a try, but it always ends in smudgy, forest creature-eyed doom. Seriously, you'll look like a heroin chic model, but all heroin, no chic. It's like the tale of a bad relationship. I gave the mascara a try in my late teens to much disapointment, went back to it later in my mid-twenties, thinking it changed its ways, and you'd think being thirty-something, I'd have learned that twice-bitten should be a lesson, but no. Burned AGAIN. I was in need of a new mascara, decided to give it another try, and yet again - Epic Disappointment. With the holiday season coming around, I need makeup that will stand the cocktail party test!

It got me a-thinkin' about makeup companies in general. They really are good at spinning a good yarn about how a product can supposedly change your life. There are miracles in a bottle, magic in a cream, perfection in a little tube -- a veritable Harry Potter world of wizardry and every makeup counter is like a mini-Hogwarts, festooned with glitter. And we believe it. We want to believe it. Makeup is like the modern day Fairy Godmother, with the power to change ducklings into swans. It speaks a lot about our desires towards change and transformation, much the same with fashion. I could get all head-shrinky over it, but I'm just as guilty for wanting the same things from bottled products and clothing on hangers. But in the meantime, I think I need to clean up my smudgy eyes and run out to get some new mascara, because dammit, this Birdy will not be burned again!


Jaunty Fine Print:  illustration by Denise Sakaki